African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata)
The African spurred tortoise is the largest tortoise of the African mainland, and is surpassed in size only by the giant island species from Aldabra and Galápagos.
Adults are usually 24 to 36 in long (60–90 cm) and can weigh 100-200 lb. (45 – 91 kg). They grow from hatchling size (2-3 in) very quickly, reaching 6-10 in (15–25 cm) within the first few years of their lives. The lifespan of an African spurred tortoise is about 50-150 years, though they can live much longer.
I just loved the look of this reptiles head, with the scales or markings…
The Photographic Journey of bulldog. 
50 to 150 years or longer lifespan WOW! The close up shots are fabulous! I too was captivated by its massive head and markings. Absolutely live these photos!
He was so big, and not something I normally pay much attention to but his head did fascinate me…
Fabulous captures! Very interesting and fascinating look.
Thanks Inga…
Great close-ups of the tortoise! They are fascinating creatures, and you captured that in your photos.
Thank you Naomi…
Amazing detail! Even with the scaly head, he is kinda cute! 🙂
They are kinda cute… just so slow…
Yeah, but did you try to put this thing in your Prius and take it to a near by lake (like I did with Ninja Turtle)? Sure, your turtle is much bigger and more impressive, but mine was frisky and agile! 😉
I was not even trying to pick this one up.. it was a little large and the last little one I picked up pooped on my shoe…
Yeah, that would have been a memorable lesson in not messing with turtles…You are so smart! 🙂
150 years old …. my god – and the weight on them. I know that turtle can become very old .. and big, but not to that extend. Could call the cute, but very interesting – that head shot is excellent. One of my school mates had a some kind of pound and stream in the living room and they had about 10 small cute turtles – the stream was going through their garden, very fancy … and this was in the 50’s.
Interesting things these tortoise .. never had much interest in them.. but now have the urge to learn a bit more…
I’m sure there is so much to … learn about them. National Geographic .. have loads of films about those big turtles, online. As at Galapagos Islands, but did get to see one.
They are so funny looking that I find them adorable. Nice head shots.
Thanks TBM
I like tortoises, they always seem very contemplative. I had two as pets when I was a child (not giant ones of course!), I named them Nigel and Claire because when I was 8, when I got the tortoises, the most popular boy and girl in my class at school were called Nigel and Claire so I thought they were the ultimate in cool names! 🙂
They are cool names… I’m afraid I don’t know much about tortoises.. for some unknown reason I have never paid them much heed… but this one has lit a spark..
Such gorgeous shots of a beautiful animal Rob. I do love them. Thanks for sharing my friend. How are you and Linda doing? 😀 *hugs*
Thanks Sonel… never spent much time think about this reptile, or for that matter its habits… this has given me a bit of a “want to know” feeling… Linda is still not well… just can’t shake the “what ever it is”
I always admire them with their hard shells and their slow motions. Sometimes I think we would get just as old if we just took things a bit slower, but I don’t want to get that old. LOL!
Sorry to hear that Rob. Make her some chicken soup followed with some Med-Lemon – hubby always treats me with it and it always helps. Of course there are lots of love with it as well and I know you have lots of that for Linda too. 😉 Please tell her I am sending her lots of good energies and getting well soon wishes. It’s not nice to feel this way. I don’t know about her but it makes me depressed and cranky. 🙂
Fabulous shots, Bulldog 🙂
Thanks Michalle…
These are incredibly detailed shots, Bulldog. I wonder what is the cause of their longevity 🙂
Probably their slow life style…
It makes sense . Thank you 😀
My kids and I love this post!! They were oooohing and ahhhhing and touching the screen as if to feel the roughness. Thank you for our lesson today, Bulldog. We really enjoyed the close-up nature of the shots!! Have a great week, dear friend!!
Thank you Skye… it was out to get me… had to move fast, to run. Shame the poor things imagine moving along at that pace…
Great close up of face and features – an ancient looking creature that always fascinates.
Thanks Brian… it was quite a biggie…
Yes, this is an African Spurred Tortoise! For one we can share an animal…how exciting. He looks just like our Darwin! The only difference is that Darwin has pyramids on his shell because we struggle with giving him the precise diet he’d have if left to his own survival. We’re working on that! How fun to see this guy! 🙂
Thank you… quite a big fellow, but I actually know so little about them…
Tortoises are such fascinating creatures. You did them proud, my friend.
Thanks Gina…
That is one fascinating looking creature!
Thank you.. it’s markings seem so amazing…
That tortoise looks familiar: I thigk I saw him racing me to my car at the supermarket!
Ronnie.. I couldn’t get more photos it was charging me… i needed to run…
So prehistoric looking. 🙂 Really fascinating closeups, bulldog.
Thanks AD
Great share and photos! You know of course how much a fan I am of turtles/tortoises!
I didn’t know that and will now seek out more… I actually know very little about these reptiles, they just flash past me too often…
Flash past? I’ve loved turtles since I was a child and have a collection of turtle toys, carvings, figurines, tattoos, and used to have them as pets 🙂
It looks ancient, and by ancient I mean, from a different time. Beautiful photos as usual – thanks for sharing them and the accompanying commentary.
Thanks Diana… it was a lucky capture.. he was moving so fast I was worried about blurring…
hahaha! You’re kidding right????
Kidding…
Nature offers such elegant designs. Beautiful
That is so true… thank you..
Looks like something that belongs to the age of the dinosaurs.
That it does … i don’t know much about these reptiles… never paid them much noticed…
Great looking tortoise! I love the details you captured of his hide and head.
Thanks Mrs. P.
Oh, I love this turtle, Bulldog!
Thanks … I find it fascinating you call it a turtle, as do a lot of the Americans… we call the water swimmers turtles…
Pity they don’t have more brain capacity. Imagine the wisdom one could collect in a lifespan going on for 200 years! That one needs a shot including something to give the scale.
Thanks Col… I would hate to live that long… the things I’ve seen in my short time that I fortunately still manage to understand might just get beyond comprehension in a 200 year life span…
oh my gosh he is adorable! Yet again you blow me away with your wildlife photos – mine can only be from a zoo but for you to have them there in front of you – in the wild – even if a wildlife park – just fantastic. Mr Tortise is very magestic and beautiful photos.
Thank you… had to move fast this one was charging me…
Ancient and long-lived creatures. Great head photo, Bulldog.
Thanks Alex
I’ve always been fascinated by tortoises. At one time, it was a dream of mine to visit the Galapagos Islands to visit some of these amazing creatures. Love your close up shots.
These reptiles have never really been given much time in my life… don’t know why… maybe they are just too slow for my liking…
E’ stupenda e le foto ritraggono benissimo i particolari della testa. Complimenti
CIao, Pat
Thank you Patrizia…