African spurred tortoise
Size and lifespan
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==Size and lifespan== |
==Size and lifespan== |
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[[File:Turtle Rescue Long Island - Sulcata tortoise.webm|thumb|left|A sulcata tortoise with a deformed shell due to the lack of proper care]] |
[[File:Turtle Rescue Long Island - Sulcata tortoise.webm|thumb|left|A sulcata tortoise with a deformed shell due to the lack of proper care]] |
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''C. sulcata'' is the largest species of tortoise in Africa and is also third-largest species of tortoise in the world.{{Cite journal |last1=Petrozzi |first1=Fabio |last2=Emmanuel |first2=Hema |last3=Gift |first3=Demaya |last4=Benansio |first4=John |last5=Eniang |first5=Edem |last6=Diagne |first6=Tomas |last7=Segniagbeto |first7=Gabriel |last8=Luiselli |first8=Luca |date=August 2020 |title=Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343967544 |journal=Chelonian Research Foundation and Turtle Conservancy |issue=5 |page=13 |via=ResearchGate}} The species is the largest of the mainland tortoises. Males have an average mass of about 81 kg, but some males have been recorded at over 100 kg, with one weighing more than 120 kg. They have a straight carapace length of around 86.0 cm in males. Females have a straight carapace length of about 57.8 cm. Males of a curved carapace length of about 101.0 cm and females have approximately 67.0 cm of curved carapace length. This species has spurs on their hind legs.Siagian T.B., Prayogo M.F.B., Widigdaya D., & Pungki. (2023). Morphometric Study of African Spurred Tortoise (Centrochelys sulcate) Based on Age Group. Jurnal Pembelajaran dan Biologi Nukleus, 9(2), 361-371. https://doi.org/10.36987/jpbn.v9i2.4344 Despite being the largest tortoise in Africa, hatchlings measure merely about 44 millimeters and weigh around 40 grams. They grow very quickly, reaching 6–10 in (15–25 cm) within the first few years of their lives. The tortoises grow faster when there is more rainfall and slower when there is less. They reach sexual maturity after 10 to 15 years. In captivity their life span is around 54 years. In the wild their lifespan is unknown but is believed to exceed 75 years.{{Cite web|url=http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Sulcata-Tortoise/|title=Sulcata Tortoise Care Sheet|website=www.reptilesmagazine.com|date=30 November 2011 |language=en|access-date=2018-02-27}} The tortoise has no known predators when they are hatchlings or adults. In fact it is believed that they are nearly immune to predators when their weight exceeds 30 kg. On the other hand tortoise eggs are sought after by many predators such as numerous species of lizards and potentially mongooses. In the wild the leading cause of death is being unable to right themselves after they have been flipped onto their backs, chiefly as a result of fighting between adult males. |
''C. sulcata'' is the largest species of tortoise in Africa and is also third-largest species of tortoise in the world.{{Cite journal |last1=Petrozzi |first1=Fabio |last2=Emmanuel |first2=Hema |last3=Gift |first3=Demaya |last4=Benansio |first4=John |last5=Eniang |first5=Edem |last6=Diagne |first6=Tomas |last7=Segniagbeto |first7=Gabriel |last8=Luiselli |first8=Luca |date=August 2020 |title=Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343967544 |journal=Chelonian Research Foundation and Turtle Conservancy |issue=5 |page=13 |via=ResearchGate}} The species is the largest of the mainland tortoises. Males have an average mass of about 81 kg, but some males have been recorded at over 100 kg, with one weighing more than 120 kg. They have a straight carapace length of around 86.0 cm in males. Females have a straight carapace length of about 57.8 cm. Males of a curved carapace length of about 101.0 cm and females have approximately 67.0 cm of curved carapace length. This species has spurs on their hind legs.Siagian T.B., Prayogo M.F.B., Widigdaya D., & Pungki. (2023). Morphometric Study of African Spurred Tortoise (Centrochelys sulcate) Based on Age Group. Jurnal Pembelajaran dan Biologi Nukleus, 9(2), 361-371. https://doi.org/10.36987/jpbn.v9i2.4344 Despite being the largest tortoise in Africa, hatchlings measure merely about 44 millimeters and weigh around 40 grams. They grow very quickly, reaching 6–10 in (15–25 cm) within the first few years of their lives. The tortoises grow faster when there is more rainfall and slower when there is less. They reach sexual maturity after 10 to 15 years. In captivity their life span is around 54 years. In the wild their lifespan is unknown but is believed to exceed 75 years.{{Cite web|url=http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Sulcata-Tortoise/|title=Sulcata Tortoise Care Sheet|website=www.reptilesmagazine.com|date=30 November 2011 |language=en|access-date=2018-02-27}} The tortoise has no known predators when they are hatchlings or adults. In fact it is believed that they are nearly immune to predators when their weight exceeds 30 kg. On the other hand tortoise eggs are sought after by many predators such as numerous species of lizards and potentially mongooses. In the wild the leading cause of death is being unable to right themselves after they have been flipped onto their backs, chiefly as a result of fighting between adult males.> They have unique scute patterns. Siagian T.B., Prayogo M.F.B., Widigdaya D., & Pungki. (2023). Morphometric Study of African Spurred Tortoise (Centrochelys sulcate) Based on Age Group. Jurnal Pembelajaran dan Biologi Nukleus, 9(2), 361-371. https://doi.org/10.36987/jpbn.v9i2.4344 > |
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==Diet== |
==Diet== |
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