African Spurred Tortoise (Arctictis binturong)

Order: Testudines
Family: Testudinidae

IUCN Red List: VU (Vulnerable)

II.

Habitat

Africa

Informations

Because of its impressive size, extremely long lifespan, and calm, deliberate behavior, the African spurred tortoise holds a special place in the beliefs of many African cultures. It is often regarded as a mediator between the tribal chief and the spirits of the ancestors. In Senegal it symbolizes virtue, happiness, fertility, and long life.

This species lives in the dry regions of the Sahel in Africa, where it is well adapted to water scarcity and extreme heat. It is the largest land tortoise in Africa. However, the largest tortoise in the world is the Galápagos giant tortoise, also known as the elephant tortoise, which occurs only on the Galápagos Islands. These small islands are home to a remarkably rich and unique ecosystem, with many plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. Observations made there had a profound influence on Charles Darwin, who gained important insights for the development of the theory of evolution while studying the islands’ wildlife.

In prehistoric times even larger turtles existed. Fossil remains of sea turtles dating back 80–90 million years have been discovered with shells reaching up to 3 meters in length, showing that giant turtles have fascinated people since ancient times.

Our animals

Ernő is around 40 years old, though we don’t know his exact age. One thing is certain: he was already an adult in 1989, when the zoo opened.