Although the African Spurred Tortoise (Sulcata) and the Spur-Thighed Tortoise (Greek Tortoise) have similar names, these tortoise species have many differences ranging from their appearance, behaviors and diet.
Appearance and Size
The most noticeable difference between African spurred tortoises and spur-thighed tortoises is size. Sulcata tortoises are the third largest tortoise in the world, whereas the spur-thighed tortoise is a much smaller, medium-sized tortoise. African spurred tortoises grow up to 30-inches long and weigh up to 200 pounds, whereas Spur-thighed tortoises grow between 8-13 inches long and weigh between 5-15 pounds.
Sulcata tortoises have a yellowish-brown carapace with large scutes and prominent growth rings. The spur-thighed tortoise range from yellow to brown and often have intricate patterns on the carapace.
African spurred tortoises have a relatively flat carapace, whereas spur-thighed tortoises have a more domed carapace.
Sulcatas have thick powerful legs covered with large spurs, where spur-thighed tortoises have shorter legs and less pronounced spurs.
African Spurred Tortoise and Spur-Thighed Tortoise Behaviors
African spurred tortoises are very active, and spur-thighed tortoises are slow-paced and less active. Sulcatas use deep burrows to escape weather extremes, whereas spur-thighed tortoises will use gaps under rocks and low vegetation as shelter.
Spur-thighed tortoises are adept climbers, where sulcatas are poor climbers.
Sulcatas do not hibernate during winder, whereas Spur-Thighed tortoises hibernate for several weeks to months during winter.
African Spurred Tortoise and Spur-Thighed Tortoise Diets
Spurred tortoises are herbivores, consuming a high-fiber, low-protein diet. The ideal diet for an African spurred tortoise is primarily grasses with weeds and leafy greens on the side. Spur-thigh tortoises are also herbivores, but the ideal diet for a spur-thighed tortoise is primarily leafy greens.
African Spurred Tortoise and Spur-Thighed Tortoise Native Habitats
Sulcata tortoises are native to Sahara Desert in Northern Africa. They’re often found in Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad, Sudan and Ethiopia. Sulcatas are native to semi-arid grasslands and savannahs.
Spur-thighed tortoises have a more extensive native habitat, ranging from regions of North Africa, southern Europe and parts of the Middle East. They do not tolerate the hotter temperatures as well as spurred tortoises.
