Breeding animal
Species
African Spurred Tortoise
A very large land tortoise native to the dry Sahel region of Africa.
Our collection
Breeding animals of this species
Breeding animal
Manfred
Species profile
African Spurred Tortoise Centrochelys sulcata
Origin & natural range
Native to a broad belt of the African Sahel south of the Sahara, including areas of Mali, Niger, Chad, Sudan and Ethiopia.
General husbandry
African spurred tortoises need large, sunny and very secure areas, deep dry soil for digging, strong UV and basking zones and a heated shelter for colder periods. Their diet should be high in fibre and based mainly on grasses and suitable herbs.
Key parameters
General guide: a very bright, dry setup with strong UVB, a clearly defined hot basking spot and cooler retreat areas. Feed a high-fibre, grass- and herb-based diet and always provide access to water.
Space & enclosure
Because of their adult size, they need large indoor and outdoor areas with diggable ground, very solid boundaries and a heated shelter. Standard small terrariums are not suitable for adults.
Diet
In the wild: Primarily grasses, herbs and other fibrous, nutrient-poor vegetation.
In human care: Grasses, hay, wild herbs and suitable leafy plants; very high in fibre and low in sugar and protein. Fruit is not a routine food.
Conservation & CITES
Conservation status: CITES Appendix II (Centrochelys sulcata). Proof of origin and any other required conservation documents must be considered for sales and cross-border movement.
Special notes & safety
Not venomous, but very strong and heavy. Fencing, equipment and enclosure furniture must be protected against digging, pushing and being knocked over.
The husbandry information and space recommendations on this page are general guidance. Legal minimum requirements vary between countries and regions and must always be checked locally. Before buying any animal, please take the time to learn about the species in depth – you are welcome to ask us, and we also recommend good specialist literature. Husbandry should always be adapted to the species, locality, age, size and individual animal.
Skeleton of African Spurred Tortoise
Natural range
