Sulcata tortoises imported to Guangzhou

A total of 200 sulcata tortoises hailing from the South African country of Sudan recently arrived at Huadu Port in Guangzhou, hopefully to be used for breeding pet tortoises for Guangzhou citizens after a one-month quarantine at the port.

Sulcata tortoise, also known as the African spurred tortoise, is a species of tortoise inhabiting at the southern edge of the Sahara desert in Africa. It is the third-largest species of tortoise in the world and the largest species of mainland tortoise.

A total of 200 sulcata tortoises hailing from Sudan recently arrived in Guangzhou. [Photo/gzdaily.dayoo.com]

This is the first time Guangzhou has imported large-size tortoises in large quantities, according to the spokesperson from Huadu Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau. The tortoises will be used for breeding pet tortoises.

As the third largest species of tortoise in the world after the Galapagos tortoise, and Aldabra giant tortoise, sulcata tortoises can grow to 83 centimeters long and weigh up to a whopping 105 kilograms. Among the 200 tortoises imported to Guangzhou, the smallest one weighs more than 15 kg while the largest one weighs over 30 kg.

Sulcata tortoises are herbivores. Their primary diet consists of many types of grasses and plants, high in fiber and very low in protein. During their flight to Guangzhou, which took several days due to having to transfer in Saudi Arabia, the tortoises were primarily fed with stored grass.

In case of potential viruses which may cause diseases to other species in China, the herbivorous creatures will have to be in quarantine for a month.

After they pass the quarantine check, they still have to go through a series of procedures including examinations and sterilization before officially being able to enter the market.