This tortoise is also known by the name sulcata tortoise which is derived from its the scientific name “Centrochelys sulcate.” It … Turtles and tortoises are an ancient group of reptiles which have been on Earth for 220 million years. https://www.honoluluzoo.org/animals/african-spurred-thighed-tortoise The leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) is a large and attractively marked tortoise found in the savannas of eastern and southern Africa, from Sudan to the southern Cape.It is the only member of the genus Stigmochelys, although in the past it was commonly placed in Geochelone. The name “sulcata” is Latin for “furrow,” these being found on a tortoise’s back between every scute. African spurred tortoise. Common Name: African Spurred Tortoise Scientific Name: Centrochelys sulcata At the zoo: Boris (male, 19y) and Optimus (male, 18y) Habitat: African spurred tortoises inhabit hot arid environments like desert fringes and dry savannahs in the sub-Saharan deserts of Africa. The other name for Sulcata Tortoise is the African Spurred Tortoise. The African Spurred Tortoise (Geochelone sulcata) is also known as the ‘Grooved Tortoise’, the ‘Spur Tortoise’ and the ‘African Spur Thigh Tortoise’. Scientific name: Centrochelys sulcata Family: Testudinidae Order: Testudines Class: Reptilia Range: Sub-Sahara Desert in Africa Habitat: Grassland, Shrubland Lifespan: 30 to 50 years on average; possibly up to 80 years What do they look like? Scientific name: Centrochelys sulcata; Other names: African spur thigh tortoise, African Sulcata tortoise, African spurred tortoise; Adult Male Size: 24 to 30 inches; Adult Female Size: 18 to 20 inches; Average Lifespan: 70 to 100+ years; Average Price Range: $200 to $1500; Where to buy? It is a desert-dwelling tortoise whose range extends along the southern edge of the Sahara Desert from Senegal and Mauritania, east through Mali, Chad, the Sudan and Ethiopia to Eritrea. Therefore, they are known as a spurred tortoise. Usually, you will find two or three conical-shaped spurs towards the back thighs of these tortoises. Projects & initiatives International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) Supporting sustainable management of endangered tree species and conservation of the African Elephant MIKE Programme Archived topics Rhinoceroces The African spur is only surpassed in size by Galapagos tortoises, and the Aldabra giant tortoises, thus, ranked as the third-largest tortoise species in the world.. Sulcata tortoises can reach the impressive 24+ inches in length and can weigh over 100 Ibs. : CBRept i le.com, tortoisetown.com Their name ‘sulcata’ comes from the Latin word for “furrow” which the tortoises have between each scute on their back. The hind legs of this species of tortoise contain spurs, which refers to the sticky pieces that hang out. This tortoise is a grazing species that favors semi-arid, thorny to grassland habitats. The African Spurred Tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) is a species of concern belonging in the species group "reptiles" and found in the following area(s): Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan. The African spurred tortoise is also known as the sulcata tortoise. Male African spurred tortoises can grow to be over 30 inches long, with females typically reaching a length of 20 inches. This species is also known by the following name(s): Grooved Tortoise, Geochelone sulcata. These tortoises find relief from the heat of the desert by digging burrows as deep as 10 feet (3 meters). An African spurred tortoise faces serious danger if it falls onto its back, especially if … Formerly known as Geochelone sulcata, Centrochelys sulcata is the largest mainland tortoise species on the planet. Image Source. Refers to the sticky pieces that hang out the name “ sulcata ” Latin! 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