Geographical Region

Savannahs of Africa, from Sudan to the Southern Cape

Habitat

Dry savannah areas where there is plenty of dry vegetation and rocky outcrops

Colour

Tan/buff base shell colouration with black patterning

Size

15 – 18-inches in length, can weigh in excess of 12kgs

Captive Environment

Bigger the better as far as enclosures go.

36 x 24 x 18 will do for a youngster or two

Adults will require large amounts of space, 10-feet x 10-feet will be needed.

Aspen bedding is used for these, as it can be easily digested if swallowed, where-as beech chip can stick in the digestive tract and cause a blockage. Aspen is also absorbent so uric and faecal droppings will clump in one place. A very large food bowl is needed as these tortoises will eat a lot throughout the day.

Heating

High daytime basking temperature of 90 - 95°F with an overall ambient around the 88 - 90°F mark, night time temperatures should not drop below 75°F. These tortoises do not tolerate low temperatures and should Never be hibernated.

Lighting

Ultraviolet light is essential for this species, as it is needed to help metabolise calcium from its diet. Without this the tortoise will develop metabolic bone disease, a deformed shell, rubberneck and will eventually die. A UV tube at lest half the length of the vivarium is required to allow multiple basking areas. Use a Reptiglo 10.0% tube (or equivalent), the bulb must be no more than 6 inches away from the tortoises shell for it to get full effects.

Photoperiod

Autumn/winter – 10 hours light – 14 hours dark.

Spring/summer – 13 hours light – 11 hours dark.

Feeding

Dry grasses and hay of different types (Alfalfa or Timothy). 70 –75% of their diet should be made up of these grasses. They can have a little moist leafy green and some vegetables, with their food being dusted with a calcium supplement (Repton, Reptavite, Nutrobal) 2/3 times weekly.

Sexing

Males are usually much larger with a longer thicker tail and a slightly concaved plastron.