African Spurred Tortoise

Centrochelys sulcata

Explore the African Spurred Tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) species record in The Ark Is Earth, including classification, habitat, distribution, conservation information, and sources.

Summary

The African Spurred Tortoise is a large land tortoise of the Sahel's savannas and deserts, from Senegal eastward toward Chad. It excavates deep burrows that buffer it from intense heat and drought, and feeds chiefly on grasses and other vegetation. This Endangered species is threatened by habitat pressure and collection for trade.

Classification in this archive

Animals › Chordates › Reptilia › Testudines › Testudinidae › Centrochelys

Habitat and distribution

Habitat: savanna, desert
Regions in this record: Africa, Senegal, Chad

Conservation field in this record

Endangered

Demonstration note

[DEMO] Tortoises carry a protective shell.