The African spurred tortoise, also known as the sulcata tortoise, is one of the largest tortoise species in the world. Native to the Sahara Desert region, it can weigh over 200 pounds and grow up to 30 inches in length. This tortoise has a distinctive, high-domed shell with prominent spurs on its hind legs, which help it navigate its arid habitat. These tortoises are herbivorous, primarily feeding on grasses, leaves, and flowers. They are well-adapted to their environment, capable of digging burrows to escape the heat. Due to habitat loss and the pet trade, the African spurred tortoise faces threats in the wild, making conservation efforts important.