Sulcata Tortoise

The African sulcata tortoise is the third-largest tortoise in the world and the largest species of mainland tortoise. Their native habitat is hot and arid. During the hottest part of the day, they will dig dens (burrows) up to 30 inches deep to cool off. They get the water they need mostly from the plants that they eat.  

A sulcata's shell can reach the size of a tractor tire and weigh more than 100 pounds. They live long, leisurely lives - reaching hundreds of pounds - and can live for more than 100 years. They are often sold as pets, but it would be no surprise for a tortoise to outlive its original owner.

Did you know...sulcatas seem better adapted to temperature fluctuations than other species of tortoise. They will actuallly seek refuge when it gets cold outside, something other species will not do, much to their own detriment.

Size:  18 - 36 inches length
Weight:  70 - 200 lbs
Lifespan:  50 - 150 years

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