The sulcata tortoise, also called the African spurred tortoise, is a species of tortoise inhabiting the southern edge of the Sahara desert in Africa. It is the third-largest species of tortoise in the world after the Galapagos tortoise, and Aldabra giant tortoise, and the largest of the mainland tortoises. Sulcatas can grow to be well over 230 pounds and live as long as 70 years.
Sulcata tortoises are herbivores. Primarily, their diets consist of many types of grasses and plants, high in fiber and very low in protein. Flowers and other plants including cactus pads can be consumed. By moving slowly, Sulcatas conserve energy, which enables them to go weeks without food.
