How large do sulcata tortoises get?

Sulcata tortoises are big, slow, and tough survivalists. Adults average 18 inches in shell length and 70 to 100 pounds in weight, but specimens reaching two to three feet in length and upwards of 150 pounds aren’t uncommon. Sulcatas dig burrows in the ground where they take shelter from their harsh, hot, arid habitat.

How big is the biggest sulcata tortoise?

Size and lifespan sulcata 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. Bill Branch reported a maximum size in the wild as 83 cm and 98 kg, but others state that they can reach 105 kg (231 lb).

How much does a large sulcata tortoise cost?

Geochelone sulcata is a hardy and personable species of tortoise. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, it became part of the lucrative pet trade during the 1990s. It has an engaging nature, is attractive and sells for anywhere between $50 and $1,000.

What’s the biggest tortoise you can buy?

Sulcata Tortoise
The Sulcata Tortoise, found in the Sahara Desert, is one of the largest tortoise species in the world. This giant tortoise can reach a whopping 30 inches in length and weigh over 100 pounds.

How big is a one year old sulcata tortoise?

seven inches
Healthy tortoises will reach seven inches at one year old and gain five to ten pounds each year. They are very slow growers and won’t reach their adult size until 15 to 20 years old. Adult females will typically weigh 70 to 90 pounds and measure 24 to 30 inches. Males will be slightly larger than females.

How much is a sulcata tortoise worth?

Wherever you live in the United States, and whatever the climate, you can buy your very own sulcata in a pet store for between $50 and $200. Stick it in a fish tank with a UV light and some lettuce, and you’re good to go.

How long does it take for a Sulcata tortoise to reach full size?

Our big female sulcatas tend to be in the 70 to 90 pound range, and are still growing slowly. These tortoises (males especially) can reach 200 pounds. Any tortoises nearing that weight would be very old. Sulcata tortoises grow rapidly for the first five to 10 years, and then their growth slows with age.

How big is a 20 year old tortoise?

They are very slow growers and won’t reach their adult size until 15 to 20 years old. Adult females will typically weigh 70 to 90 pounds and measure 24 to 30 inches. Males will be slightly larger than females.

How big should a 3 year old Sulcata tortoise be?

10-inch
Sulcata Tortoise Size You could literally have a 10-inch tortoise that is 3 years old or 10 years old. Many adult sulcata tortoises break the 100-pound mark. However, most of the large sulcatas in our collection aren’t much over 100 pounds, but we do have a few.

How big can A sulcata tortoise grow to be?

These creatures are the third largest species of tortoise in the world, behind the Galapagos tortoise and Albrada giant tortoise. Sulcatas can grow to be well over 230 lbs., and live as long as 70 years! Read on to learn about the sulcata tortoise. These tortoises can grow to be quite large.

Which is the third largest species of tortoise in the world?

A sulcata tortoise with a deformed shell due to the lack of proper care. C. sulcata 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. Adults can reach 83 cm (33 in) and can weigh 105 kg (231 lb).

Why is the sulcata tortoise a keystone species?

Keystone Species – Just like with gopher tortoises, sulcatas’ burrows provide habitats and escapes for a number of other species. These other species cannot dig burrows themselves, and rely heavily on the tortoise population for their safety and survival.

How big was the worlds biggest tortoise in 2002?

When the aptly monikered plodder passed away in Florida in November 2002, he was 135.8 cm (4 ft 5 in) long, 102 cm (3 ft 4 in) wide and 68.5 cm (2 ft 3 in) high, and he weighed in at 417 kg (919 lb).