Spur-thighed tortoise

Description

This tortoise has a large rounded shell with a yellowish, light olive green or brownish back plate. The scales usually have a patch in the centre and the borders are dark or black. The shell is yellowish with irregular black patches. The sex of the hatchlings depends on the atmospheric temperature: if less than 31.5ºC, they will be male; if higher, female. 

Ethology

After waking from hibernation, the male begins courting by following the female and biting or hitting the back plate. To copulate, the male mounts the female’s back. After coitus, the female can keep the semen inside for up to four years. The eggs are deposited in holes excavated in the ground by the female.  

Interesting facts

They are severely affected by habitat fragmentation and degradation (intensive farming, fires, road construction, etc.). Their populations have dropped significantly due to illegal trafficking and the introduction of members of the same species that were previously captive or invasive species.