Meet Our Animals

African Clawed Tortoise – Sulcata or Spur Thigh Tortoise

Geochelone sulcata

Names and Personal History:
Ivan: He was acquired from Haight and Cole Street neighbors who were moving to New Zealand to start a bed and breakfast. He was probably born around 1998, but some day he may reach 100 years old.

Native Habitat:
Sulcata Tortoises are native to more northern parts of Africa, ranging from the southern edge of the Sahara down through the arid countries, including Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad, the Sudan, and Ethiopia, and up through the dry, hot Massaua coast bordering the Red Sea.

Environment:
Sulcatas come from some of the Sahel, the hottest, driest area in Africa; some regions may not get rain for years. To make the most of available moisture, their skin is resistant to fluid loss but, when exposed to moisture, may become highly permeable. Towards this end, they will excavate pallets or burrows in the ground to get to areas with higher moisture levels; in the wild, they may spend the hottest part of the day in these microhabitats. Burrows may average 30 inches in depth; some dig tunnel systems extending 10 feet or more underground.

Physical Characteristics:
The Sulcata is the largest of the African mainland tortoise, with specimens easily reaching 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) in carapace length and 80-110 pounds (36-50 kg). Sulcatas have broad, flattened carapaces, evenly brownish or yellowish in color. Well-defined spurs, which serve no observable function, are present on the back of the rear legs. Their skin is very thick, which may serve to reduce fluid loss through transpiration.

Diet:
The bulk of their overall intake should be from pesticide- and herbicide-free grass and grass cuttings, cheat grass, clover, edible flowers (nasturtium, geraniums, hibiscus, rose petals). Dandelion, collard and mustard greens.

Sulcatas respond to bright colors, so always include at least one vividly colored food in your selection. This also means that you must keep inedible brightly colored things away from them!