Buster African Spurred Tortoise
IUCN: Vulnerable
The African spurred tortoise, or sulcata tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata), lives in Africa's southern Saharan desert. Sulcatas are the third largest tortoise species in the world, following the Galapagos tortoise and the Aldabra giant tortoise. Sulcatas can reach upwards of 200 pounds, and can live to about 70 years.
In order to cope with the arid conditions of their native habitats, African spurred tortoises dig deep burrows in the ground, where they can access cooler, humid soil. Buster has a similar water-filled burrow, where he enjoys cooling off during the hot daytime hours.
In order to cope with the arid conditions of their native habitats, African spurred tortoises dig deep burrows in the ground, where they can access cooler, humid soil. Buster has a similar water-filled burrow, where he enjoys cooling off during the hot daytime hours.