African spurred tortoise African spurred tortoise Geochelone sulcata African spurred tortoises inhabit the southern edge of the Sahara desert in northern Africa. They get their name from two to three large spurs located on their thighs. This species has many adaptations and behaviors for living in a dry environment.
Thick skin prevents loss of moisture.
They are active in the morning and evening, spending the hottest part of the day underground. Their diet of succulent plants provides them with water, and they coat their skin with mud to cool off. Spurred tortoises are important to deserts because their burrows provide shelter for other animals. All rights reserved.