DISTRIBUTION: Found in the arid regions of Africa.
LENGTH: They are the third largest species in the world; reaching lengths of up to 3.5ft long and can weigh in at 250lb. Males tend to be smaller than females, but grow faster than females. They are relatively fast growers, as far as tortoises go.
LONGEVITY: If kept in optimum conditions, sullcatas can live up to 150 years.
SEX DIFFERENCES: The tail on the male is usually longer than the female’s. These are only secondary characteristics and therefore are not always accurate. Sexing in this way is difficult to identify in specimens under 12 inches long.
VIVARIUM SIZE: Juveniles will need a 4*3*3ft viv (or there abouts). Adults will definitely require a run, considering the size they get to. They have been known to walk straight through greenhouses and sheds, so a very strong enclosure needs to be constructed. They are also good climbers, so the enclosure will need to be at least 3ft high. Females, during the breeding season, have been known to dig holes in the ground 20ft deep.
SUBSTRATE: Dust-free sand is the most natural substrate to use. Naturerep Jungle Substrate can also be used. Shredded paper can be used; it is absorbent, cheap to replace and readily available. Artificial reptile grass should not be used, as tortoises tend to graze on them.
TEMPERATURE: 29.5 – 32 degrees centigrade (85-90 degrees F) at the hot spot and 25 degrees centigrade (75F) at the cool end. A 5.0 UVB bulb is essential; this is to be left on 8 – 12 hours a day. All heat sources are to be thermostatically controlled and must be given from above, as all tortoises blood runs over the top of the shell (carapace) and heat from below will not heat the tortoise sufficiently.
HABITAT: Tortoises will require hides at either end of the enclosure, to ensure that the tortoise is not forced to choose between preferred temperature and security. Rocks or large stones for them to climb on, not too big as they are easily over turned. No plastic vegetation is to be used, as the tortoise is likely to eat them.
HUMIDITY: As these tortoises originate from arid region the humidity is relatively low, about 10-15%
FEEDING: Sullcatas diet is almost 100% vegetable matter, fruit isn’t really part of their natural diet but can still be given in small quantities. They are to be given a varied diet of root vegetables like; carrots, potatoes, broccoli, sprouts etc along with dandelions and dark leafy greens. All other fruit and vegetables can be offered with the exception of the following: Spinach, banana, very small amounts of lettuce and cucumber (courgettes being the better alternative). If fruit is offered, it should be in very small quantities. Specially formulated tortoise diet can also be used, but do not forget to soak it in warm water first to soften it up. Daffodils and hibiscus can also be offered in moderation. A varied diet of fresh fruit and vegetables is to be offered every day in order to maintain these reptiles successfully. Tortoises should be given additional multivitamins once a week. Pure calcium carbonate can be given every day, in small amounts. A large but very shallow water bowl should be provided, with a fresh supply of water every day.
INFO: It is important that tortoises are bathed at least once a week, in tepid water, to restore any lost moisture. It may be a good idea to monitor your tortoise’s health by weighing it on a regular basis, and noting whether it is loosing or gaining weight. Sullcata tortoises are relatively easy to maintain (as they do not hibernate) but difficult to accommodate (as they are a relatively large species).
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