| Characteristics
and Behaviour |
Being the largest continental
tortoise species in the world, they
may reach 76 cm in length. The anterior
marginal scutes of mature adults, especially
male, are reverted. The growth rings
on the carapaces are well defined. The
anterior surface of the forelimbs is
covered with thick, large, knobby and
overlapping scales. Spurred Tortoises
dig burrows for retreat to avoid the
unbearable heat and dehydration. They
are most active at dawn or dusk and
may bask in the early morning. When
mating, the male first circles the female
and will occasionally ram her with his
shell. Up to 17 eggs are laid per clutch
and incubation takes 212 days. |