Reptiles
African spurred tortoise
Centrochelys sulcata
The African spurred tortoise is the largest mainland tortoise in the world (third overall), with males exceeding 80 kg. It is named for the conical spurs on its hind legs.
In short
The african spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) is a species with IUCN conservation status EN (Endangered). It lives in the arid savannas and semi-deserts of the Sahel, digging long burrows to escape the heat and drought. Animals in Black offers a fine-art portrait of it on a black background, available as a print on Hahnemühle paper: request the print.
Habitat & conservation
Where does the african spurred tortoise live?
It lives in the arid savannas and semi-deserts of the Sahel, digging long burrows to escape the heat and drought. It is herbivorous and active mainly at dawn and dusk.
Is the african spurred tortoise endangered?
In 2021 the IUCN Red List uplisted it to Endangered (EN), from Vulnerable: the population is declining sharply. The main threats are habitat loss to agriculture and grazing, collection for food and the pet trade, and drought.
Facts about the african spurred tortoise
- It is the largest mainland tortoise in the world.
- It digs long burrows to escape heat and drought.
- In 2021 it moved from Vulnerable to Endangered.
Data source: IUCN Red List — Centrochelys sulcata (Endangered) · IUCN SSC / Reptile Database
RED List
Conservation status codes
- EX Extinct No individuals survive.
- EW Extinct in the wild Survives only in captivity.
- CR Critically endangered Extremely high risk of extinction.
- EN Endangered Very high risk of extinction.
- VU Vulnerable High risk of extinction.
- NT Near threatened Likely to become threatened soon.
- LC Least concern Low risk of extinction.
- DD Data deficient Not enough data to assess.
- NE Not evaluated Not yet assessed by the IUCN.