Tartaruga de Esporas Africana

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults can reach a shell length of 80cm

Origin: North and Central Africa

Lifespan: Up to 100 years

Natural Habitat: They inhabit grasslands, sparse dry forests and semi-desert areas.

Despite the size they can reach as adults, C. sulcatas are among the most sought-after and widely kept tortoise species in captivity. They are exceptionally well adapted to life in captivity, need relatively basic care and, in most cases, live long and healthy lives.

Although this is not a difficult species to keep, you should pay attention to a few aspects and ensure certain conditions, which you will find in the following paragraphs.

Terrarium

Size: When small, they can be kept in terrariums, aquariums or tortoise tables with a base of around 90x45cm. As they grow, and because of their size, it often becomes necessary to build an outdoor space/enclosure where they can be kept for most of the year.

Material: Glass or Wood

 - Heating and Lighting

A basking area large enough to fully cover the tortoise should be provided, with a temperature of up to 37ºC. The rest of the terrarium can be kept at no less than 20ºC. At night temperatures can safely drop to 15ºC.

A 12% T5 UVB tube should also be used to provide the right levels of ultraviolet radiation for this tortoise species. 

 - Humidity

Coming from semi-desert and arid areas, this species does not need high humidity. However, especially for younger animals, it helps to provide humid hides where the tortoises can shelter.

They should also always have a container of clean, fresh water available to drink from and soak in.

- Decor

You can decorate the terrarium with branches, stones and hides. Bear in mind that, due to its weight, size and high activity, this species moves things around a lot. 

Diet and Supplementation

Feeding habits: Herbivorous

- Foods

Staple: Around 70% of the diet should be based on grasses and hay.

Occasional: You can supplement with many types of leaves and herbs such as hibiscus (including the flower), thistles, rose, cherry, dandelion (leaf and flower), chamomile, various flowers, rosette, kohlrabi, alfalfa, sunflower (leaf and flower), plane tree, mulberry, cactus (without spines), clover, etc.

 - Supplementation

Dust the food with a quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplement with Vitamin D3.

Under Portuguese Law No. 95/2017 of 23 August, the sale and/or advertising of wild/exotic animals through websites or online platforms is not permitted. To find out which animals we currently have available and their conditions of sale, please get in touch with us.