Buyer question
How long does a Sulcata tortoise live?
Our Animal Library gives the Sulcata tortoise a lifespan of 70+ years.
Source: the Sulcata tortoise page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Sulcata tortoise in the Animal Library
The detail
Sulcatas, or African spurred tortoises, are the third-largest tortoise in the world, from the southern edge of the Sahara. Hatchlings are small and cute, but adults can top 100 pounds and dig deep burrows, so they are really an outdoor animal.
- Origin
- Sahel region of Africa
- Best fit
- Keepers with land and warm climate
What to weigh
A sulcata can outlive its owner, dig under fences, and needs a heated shelter in cool months. Many are surrendered when they outgrow homes.