| More commonly known as the Sulcata (Geochelone | | | | adaptable creature will need a large area in which to |
| Sulcata). This is a larger species that does require | | | | live happily. Provided the climate is suitable an adult |
| quite a large enclosure, preferably outside. If you live | | | | will live very happily in a large outside enclosure. This |
| in a suitable climate this is one of the most interesting | | | | species does enjoy digging however, so be sure to |
| active and friendly species but their habitat in the wild | | | | secure the enclosure with a solid or escape proof |
| is quickly disappearing so breeders over the last 20 | | | | base and also a strong fence or wall.. this will have to |
| years have really done a great job in preserving this | | | | be reasonably high too as they like to climb! It would |
| species. | | | | surprise you how high they can actually climb if they |
| The spur tortoise often reaches 200 pounds and 30 | | | | are determined to get through! |
| inches in length! Obviously this is a large specimen and | | | | Their diet is a typical varied herbivorous one that |
| will require lots of food and space. Therefore keeping | | | | should include fresh and if possible living vegetation. |
| them in a small indoor enclosure would not be the | | | | Make sure you research the type of live vegetation |
| best for optimum health and well being of the pet! | | | | they can eat as some is toxic to the tortoise. They |
| Their shell (carapace ) is tan in color and has a low | | | | like to graze all day long and this in turn will produce |
| curved shape unlike that of the Leopard tortoise. The | | | | large amounts of waste! So be prepared to clean up |
| back legs have spurs or tubercles (which gives it it's | | | | its enclosure regularly to avoid illness. A bale of alfalfa |
| common name). | | | | hay is a good source of fibre and it is also advisable |
| Some times there is confusion over the different | | | | to give your tortoise a vitamin and mineral |
| types but if you try to take notice of the Latin name | | | | supplement. |
| rather than just the common name you will be able | | | | If you are thinking of caring for one of these spur |
| to more easily differentiate between all the various | | | | tortoises you will have to weigh up all these issues as |
| species. This is true of the 'spur' as the North African | | | | they require a lot of your time and energy. Their |
| Tortoise (Testudo Graeca) is also called the | | | | outside enclosure will require artificial heating and |
| spur-thighed! | | | | lighting which will incur significant costs to your |
| The African from the North African region has a | | | | household expenses. It is a serious commitment to |
| varied habitat from desert to grasslands and dry | | | | decide to live with one of these incredible creatures |
| savannas. If you decide to keep and care for the | | | | but if you have the right planning and resources |
| spur tortoise you will have to mimic this for the best | | | | available to you they make an excellent and |
| outcome for your pet. In a captive environment this | | | | fascinating pet for many years to come. |