A surprising ally against the desert emerges in Africa: a gigantic herbivorous tortoise capable of restoring ecosystems

In the Sahel, daytime temperatures can reach 140°F (60°C), while nighttime temperatures drop sharply. Under these extreme conditions, the hardened ground prevents rainwater from soaking into the soil. Moisture evaporates almost immediately, leaving seeds unable to germinate.

To address this problem, researchers released 500 African spurred tortoises into a barren landscape on the southern edge of the Sahara. These animals belong to the species Centrochelys sulcata, which evolved to thrive in exactly these harsh conditions. Five years later, satellite imagery has revealed patches of green vegetation emerging across the once-desolate terrain.

The tortoise’s unique role

The African spurred tortoise is the largest mainland tortoise in the world and the third-largest tortoise overall, surpassed only by the Galápagos and Aldabra giant tortoises. Males can weigh more than 220 pounds (100 kilograms). Beyond their impressive size, these tortoises are remarkable for their digging ability.

To escape the intense daytime heat, they dig burrows 33 to 50 feet (10 to 15 meters) deep. These underground shelters provide protection from both scorching daytime temperatures and the cold nights while also helping aerate the surrounding soil.

As the burrows break through the hardened surface, rainwater can seep into the ground instead of running off. This allows the soil to retain moisture for longer periods after rainfall, creating conditions that are far more favorable for plant growth.

Evidence from Senegal

This effect has already been documented in Senegal. Since 1992, the conservation organization Save Our Sulcata (S.O.S.) has operated breeding and reintroduction programs for African spurred tortoises. A 2020 report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) highlights the Village des Tortues sanctuary in Noflaye, where more than 300 tortoises live and from which numerous individuals have been released into their natural habitat.

The restoration process is primarily physical. Burrow entrances and the loosened soil around them create a more stable microclimate. Although the tortoises do not intentionally disperse seeds, those already present in the soil or carried by the wind are more likely to germinate because of the increased moisture and protection provided by the surrounding environment.

These conditions also attract insects and microorganisms, promoting healthier soil. Over time, vegetation becomes denser around the burrows, forming green patches that are visible even in satellite imagery and are closely linked to the tortoises’ digging activity.

The release of approximately 500 tortoises in 2021 attracted considerable attention, although IUCN data indicate that Senegal’s reintroduction program has been underway for decades. In monitored populations, researchers have recorded survival rates exceeding 80 percent over several years, an important factor in maintaining the tortoises’ burrowing activity and their long-term impact on the landscape.

No reforestation techniques or soil treatments were used. Instead, the project simply reintroduced a native species whose numbers had been greatly reduced by hunting, agriculture, and livestock grazing. Over time, formerly barren areas began to recover vegetation and attract wildlife, including birds and small vertebrates, resulting in greater biodiversity across the ecosystem.

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