African Spur-Thighed Tortoise Flashcards
where does the African spurred tortoise get its name?
The rear thighs have conical spurs.
How long can African spurred tortoises get?
3 feet
How much can African spurred tortoises weigh?
220 pounds
What season does mating occur in for African spurred tortoises?
Fall.
Describe the nest of the African spurred tortoise.
A shallow depression in the ground.
How many eggs do African spurred tortoises lay?
15 - 30
What do African spurred tortoises do after they lay their eggs?
They cover them with dirt.
How long do African spurred tortoises let their eggs incubate for?
8 months.
How old are African spurred tortoises when they are fully grown?
15 to 20 years
How long do African spurred tortoises live?
50 years
What is the range and habitat of the African spurred tortoise?
Dry, sandy areas in Central Africa.
What do African spurred tortoises eat?
Grasses and leaves.
Why is the skin of the African spurred tortoise so thick?
To prevent moisture loss and protect from predators.
What will African spurred tortoises do when it gets extremely hot?
They will begin to salivate and rub the drool on themselves.
What is the conservation status of the African spurred tortoise?
Vulnerable.
How do you tell a male African spurred tortoise from a female?
Males have more prominent scales in front.
What is the most common cause of infections and fungi parasites in African spurred tortoises?
Too much water.
What is aestivation?
A similar state to hibernation with reduced metabolic activity, but less extreme. It is also more often used in arid climates.
How do Africa spurred tortoises deal with heat?
They dig burrows and aestivate in them.
How long does an African spurred tortoise get to become one foot in length?
One year.
How do male sulcatas fight?
They will use their front hooks to try to flip each other over.
What is the world’s largest mainland tortoise?
The sulcata.
