Sulcata and Leopard tortoises
Sulcata Tortoises, also known as the African spurred tortoise (Geochelone sulcata),
are not as large as the Aldabra and Galapagos tortoise, but is the next largest of tortoises. It is from the Sahara Desert, Ethiopia and Sudan and other dry regions in those areas. It is a vegetarian, eating grassses, greens and succulents. It is a burrower with the ability to dig long and deep burrows in which to hide and stay cool. Sulcatas do not bask in open sunlight but prefer groups of plants to hide under.Their size at adult age
(which is 15 years) is approximately 30" in length and their weight can approach 100lbs. Males are
larger than females. The oval carapace is brown. The plastron is cream colored and thick. The head is
has a large prefrontal scale and is divided. Other head scales are small. The front of the front legs
are covered with thick and knobby overlapping scales. This allows for ease in burrowing. The back of
the thighs has 2 or 3 'spurs', thus why they are named African Spurred tortoise. During courtship, the
male circles the female and rams into her with his shell. The male also makes a short grunting sound
during mating. The female can lay up to 17 eggs and incubation is approximately 210 days.
They are one of the most popular tortoises in the pet trade. Much has been published about them
as well as a large number of web sites. Because of their size, dietary needs, and proper habitation,
it is very important to research this species of tortoise before bringing one home. Reptile rescues are contacted very frequently to take in unwanted pet Sulcata's. Very often, people who purchase or
acquire a Sulcata are not properly educated in their needs. Being native to Africa, a hot, dry environment is required. Often referred to as 'the eating machine' consuming large amounts of food, their diet
consists of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables but mainly grasses and weeds that are free of chemicals. Calcium is a very important nutrient they require for proper shell growth. They require
and need a large area to roam in.
are not as large as the Aldabra and Galapagos tortoise, but is the next largest of tortoises. It is from the Sahara Desert, Ethiopia and Sudan and other dry regions in those areas. It is a vegetarian, eating grassses, greens and succulents. It is a burrower with the ability to dig long and deep burrows in which to hide and stay cool. Sulcatas do not bask in open sunlight but prefer groups of plants to hide under.Their size at adult age
(which is 15 years) is approximately 30" in length and their weight can approach 100lbs. Males are
larger than females. The oval carapace is brown. The plastron is cream colored and thick. The head is
has a large prefrontal scale and is divided. Other head scales are small. The front of the front legs
are covered with thick and knobby overlapping scales. This allows for ease in burrowing. The back of
the thighs has 2 or 3 'spurs', thus why they are named African Spurred tortoise. During courtship, the
male circles the female and rams into her with his shell. The male also makes a short grunting sound
during mating. The female can lay up to 17 eggs and incubation is approximately 210 days.
They are one of the most popular tortoises in the pet trade. Much has been published about them
as well as a large number of web sites. Because of their size, dietary needs, and proper habitation,
it is very important to research this species of tortoise before bringing one home. Reptile rescues are contacted very frequently to take in unwanted pet Sulcata's. Very often, people who purchase or
acquire a Sulcata are not properly educated in their needs. Being native to Africa, a hot, dry environment is required. Often referred to as 'the eating machine' consuming large amounts of food, their diet
consists of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables but mainly grasses and weeds that are free of chemicals. Calcium is a very important nutrient they require for proper shell growth. They require
and need a large area to roam in.
The Leopard Tortoise (Geochelone Pardalis) is among the larger species of tortoises. It is from the
Sahara Desert, Ethiopia and Sudan and other dry regions in those areas, similar to the Sulcata. They can
reach lengths of 16" and up to 40lbs. The carapace is high domed with vertical sides, colored yellow-ish
with dark markings. The head and legs are yellow, tan or brown. Leopard tortoises are herbivores
eating grasses, thistles, succulents as well as bones from dead animals to received calcium.
Seeds from some eaten plants leave the tortoise through feces, which reseeds the areas. They reach
sexual maturity 12-15 years. When courting, the males become aggressive towards any males
that may be interested in the same female. The female can lay between 5 to 30 eggs with an incubation period of 8 t0 15 months depending on the environment and temperature.
Sahara Desert, Ethiopia and Sudan and other dry regions in those areas, similar to the Sulcata. They can
reach lengths of 16" and up to 40lbs. The carapace is high domed with vertical sides, colored yellow-ish
with dark markings. The head and legs are yellow, tan or brown. Leopard tortoises are herbivores
eating grasses, thistles, succulents as well as bones from dead animals to received calcium.
Seeds from some eaten plants leave the tortoise through feces, which reseeds the areas. They reach
sexual maturity 12-15 years. When courting, the males become aggressive towards any males
that may be interested in the same female. The female can lay between 5 to 30 eggs with an incubation period of 8 t0 15 months depending on the environment and temperature.