African Spurred Tortoise - Geochelone sulcata

This is the largest continental tortoise, surpassed only by the island species from Aldabra and Galapagos. This species can reach a length of 76 cm. It ranges along the southern perimeter of the Sahara Desert in Africa. The raised carapacial scutes shown in this specimen are not natural. In the pet trade, many people are uneducated as to the correct diet of this species. This particular specimen was fed too much protein which encouraged the growth of the scutes and made them pyramid. This specimen died in captivty.

Carapace

Plastron

Carapace #2 This specimen is not yet confirmed to be the same species.