African Spurred Tortoise

Status: Vulnerable.Range: A 310 mile (500 km) wide strip between Senegal and Ethiopia.Habitat: Southern Sahara desert referred to as the Sahel.Food: Herbivorous – consuming mainly grasses and occasionally wild flowers.Reproduction: They reach maturity at approximately 15 years of age. They will lay approximately 15 eggs per clutch and will clutch up to 6 times per year. Incubation is 85-170 days, depending on the temperature.Facts: This is the 3rd largest species of tortoise in the world. They are usually referred to as the largest continental tortoise since the 2 larger species come from islands. They can weigh up to 240 lbs (109 kg) and live 70 years or more. Its name of sulcata comes from the deep furrows of its scales.