African Spurred Tortoise

African spurred tortoise（圖片來源：Melissa Mitchell，採用 CC BY 3.0 授權）

The African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) is native to the southern edge of the Sahara Desert and the Sahel region of Africa. It is the largest mainland tortoise in Africa and ranks as the third largest tortoise in the world, following the Galápagos tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra) and the Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea). Adult males can exceed 80 kg in weight, with some individuals surpassing 120 kg, and their straight carapace length can reach 80–100 cm. Females are smaller, typically measuring 50–60 cm in carapace length.

Despite their massive size and long lifespan—often exceeding 70 years in the wild—newly hatched individuals measure only about 4 cm and weigh around 40 grams. This contrast highlights an exceptionally rapid growth rate, particularly during years with abundant rainfall.

They inhabit arid and semi-arid savannas or desert margins. To cope with extreme heat and drought, African spurred tortoises excavate burrows that may reach depths of 15 meters and extend up to 30 meters in length. These burrows provide access to cooler, more humid underground conditions and allow the tortoises to enter estivation. Nutrients from tortoise feces enrich the surrounding soil, often promoting the growth of grasses and succulents that serve as food sources.

Wild populations are distributed across countries such as Senegal, Mali, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea, with some extending into Mauritania and Cameroon. However, habitat destruction, overgrazing, wildfires, and illegal collection have led to a rapid population decline, and the species is currently classified as Vulnerable.

In temperament, African spurred tortoises are generally calm and quiet. Although slow-moving, they are curious and frequently explore their surroundings. Adult males, however, become highly territorial during the breeding season, engaging in forceful ramming and flipping behaviors to compete for mates, sometimes causing injury. While adults have few natural predators due to their size, eggs and hatchlings are highly vulnerable to predation by animals such as lizards and mongooses.

African spurred tortoise（圖片來源：Crisco 1492，採用 CC BY-SA 4.0 授權）

Housing Requirements in Captivity

Due to their large size and long lifespan, African spurred tortoises require spacious and durable enclosures in captivity. Juveniles under two years old or with a carapace length under 25 cm may be temporarily housed indoors, but even then require a minimum space of approximately 3 square meters. Daytime ambient temperatures should be maintained at 27–32°C, with a basking area reaching 38–41°C. Nighttime temperatures should remain between 21–24°C to prevent chilling.

Young individuals require higher humidity levels, ideally above 80%, and should be soaked daily in warm water for 20–30 minutes to prevent dehydration and shell deformities.

Once individuals exceed 30 cm in carapace length, indoor housing is no longer appropriate. Outdoor enclosures should be constructed with a minimum size of 7 meters in length and 3 meters in width. Fencing must be made of concrete or other solid materials and buried at least 30 cm underground to prevent escape through digging. The ground should provide adequate drainage and include shaded areas, basking zones, and mud wallows to allow natural thermoregulation.

If winter temperatures remain below 10°C for extended periods, heating must be provided, such as insulated shelters equipped with ceramic heat emitters or heat lamps.

A substrate composed of 60% organic soil and 40% sand is ideal, as it maintains humidity while allowing burrowing behavior. For juveniles, substrate depth should be 6–10 cm, while adults require 20–30 cm. Environmental enrichment may include bark, stone slabs, and drought-tolerant edible plants to enhance exploration and foraging opportunities.

Lighting must include full-spectrum UVB exposure. For outdoor enclosures, natural sunlight can fulfill this requirement.

Feeding Conditions

African spurred tortoises are herbivorous, and their diet should be high in fiber while low in protein and sugar. In the wild, they primarily consume dry grasses and succulents, occasionally supplementing their diet with flowers, leaves, and small amounts of carrion.

In captivity, the staple diet should consist of various grasses and hay, such as Bermuda grass, timothy hay, and oat hay. Food should be offered freely to allow continuous grazing, mimicking natural feeding behavior.

Leafy greens can be provided as supplements, including dandelion greens, cactus pads, hibiscus leaves, mulberry leaves, clover, and Chinese kale. Plants high in oxalates, such as spinach, kale, and celery leaves, should be avoided, as they can interfere with calcium absorption and lead to metabolic bone disease.

Fruits must be strictly limited due to their high sugar content, which can disrupt gut microbiota and cause diarrhea. Commercial diets should only be used occasionally, with high-fiber formulations such as Mazuri or Zoo Med tortoise diets being preferred.

To ensure proper skeletal and shell development, calcium powder should be dusted onto food weekly, and cuttlebone should be provided for voluntary consumption.

Fresh water should be available in shallow dishes, with water depth not exceeding the height of the tortoise's knees to prevent drowning. Because these tortoises often contaminate their water, it must be replaced daily and the container regularly disinfected using safe cleaning agents.

Breeding Conditions

In the wild, African spurred tortoises typically mate after the rainy season, from September to November. Males compete aggressively for access to females, using forceful collisions and vocalizations, with only the victor gaining mating opportunities.

Approximately two months after mating, females begin searching for nesting sites. They often dig several test nests before selecting a final location. The nest is typically about 60 cm in diameter and 7–14 cm deep. The female moistens the soil with urine before laying 15–40 spherical eggs, which are then covered with soil.

Incubation requires temperatures of 30–31°C and lasts 90–120 days. Hatchlings measure only 4–6 cm and are fragile, requiring high humidity and a secure environment.

In captivity, African spurred tortoises breed relatively easily, which contributes to their widespread availability in the pet trade. However, captive-bred individuals now far exceed demand, and many juveniles are abandoned due to inadequate long-term planning by owners. Therefore, breeding should be avoided unless proper long-term care and placement can be ensured.

Preventing Invasive Spread

Although native to arid regions of Africa, African spurred tortoises are widely traded in the global pet market, and escape or release has been reported in non-native regions, posing potential ecological risks. Their large appetite may alter local vegetation structure, and they may compete with native tortoise species for resources.

Given their long lifespan, individuals that survive in the wild may exert ecological impacts for decades.

Owners must adhere to the principle of “no abandonment and no release.” The African spurred tortoise is not a short-term pet but a lifelong commitment, often requiring care to be passed on to the next generation. Careful consideration is essential before acquisition.

If an owner can no longer provide care, the animal should be transferred to a legal rescue organization or a qualified new keeper. Releasing or abandoning individuals into the wild must be strictly avoided. Ensuring proper care and a humane end of life is the responsibility of every keeper.

Author: Shui-Ye You