Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Guys,

I am in need of information in regard to the difference between these tortoises. Is an African Spurred, Sulcata, and Spurred Thighed the same tortoise? Or are they 2 (or 3) different species?

Please advice.

Thanks!

You've asked a very good question, one that crops up in pet stores from time to time.

The common names African Spurred and Sulcata both refer to Geochelone Sulcata which is the largest continental land tortoise reaching sizes up to 76cm.

The Spur-thighed tortoise is traditionally the common name for Testudo Graeca which has a wide distribution in parts of Europe, the mediterranean, the middle east and northern Africa reaching sizes up to 30cm, some subspecies are smaller. There are 4 known subspecies of Graeca. Spur-thiged tortoise is sometimes used to refer to the larger tort above.

Pet stores and even some dealers have confused buyers into purchasing what they think will be a small tortoise, but in fact it turns out to be a very hungry bulldozer.

It's good to get familiar with the scientific name to be certain.

Paul

Paul,
Thanks for taking the time tomprovide such good information. Could you please take a look at the picture that we have of this one to help verify it's species?

http://www.dragonbreeders.com/pj.jpg
ST

That is the bigger of the two. He (or she) has some moderate pyramiding and for the record is only 1/5 the size of a full grown adult. Sulcatas make very good pets but you have to know what you are getting into, a lifelong investment into a large but wonderful animal.

Paul