testing of male and female in sulcata tortoises.
Answers:
In a mature African Spurred Tortoise ~ Geochelone sulcata, the males have a noteably larger gular shield (outwardly projecting head rest) that is used in male to male combat. This is not always the best indicator howeever because it can be larger or smaller between some individuals.
Also, the plastron is concave in males and convex in females. Run your hands along the outer edges of the plastron (belly shell) and if there is a strong inward groove this is likely a male.
In addition, males have a longer %26 larger tail base than a female (this holds the reproductive organs) and the length allows for successful copulation. Sexual maturity is not reached until the tortoise is greater than 12 inches in plastron length sexual dimorphism may not be appearant before this size.
If you know what the eggs were incubated at the time of developement, you can get a fairly accurate idea of sex this way too. Cooler incubating temps (84f) producing females in this species and greater incubating temps (86 +f) producing males. Hope this helps, Leo
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male sulcata's if you look at him from the bottom his shell is curved this allows him to Mount the female
