TORTOISE
Gopherus morafkai, Centrochelys sulcata
Sonoran Desert Tortoise Facts
- Habitat: Desert and semi-desert grasslands
- Status: Threatened
- Diet: These reptiles are primarily herbivores, and eat grasses, weeds, wildflowers, and leaves. In the Sonoran Desert, they also eat cactus pads and the fruit from various cacti. Occasionally, a tortoise may even eat bone material scavenged from mammal scat as a means of obtaining calcium.
- Weight: 7.9 - 15 lbs.
- Size: 3.9" - 5.9" tall; 9.8" - 14" long
- Lifespan: 50 - 80 years
- Interesting Facts
- A common way tortoises defend themselves is to empty their bladder - urinate - if they are picked up or handled. This could lead to their death if they can't find water soon thereafter.
African Sulcata Tortoise Facts
- Habitat: Deserts and semi-arid regions of North Africa. They are found commonly in grasslands, deserts, savannas, and thorn scrubland.
- Status: Vulnerable
- Diet: These reptiles are herbivores and eat grasses, weeds, wildflowers, and leaves.
- Weight: Females can weigh 80 - 130 lbs. while males are larger at 150 - 200 lbs.
- Size: Around 15" tall; 24" - 30" wide; 25" - 30" long
- Lifespan: 50 - 150 years
- Interesting Facts
- When a sulcata tortoise gets thirsty, they can drink up to 15% of their body weight in water!
THE SWCC TORTOISES
