The shells and skin are a brownish or yellowish in color, perfect for blending into a desert habitat. The head and limbs are the same color as the shell and are protected with thick scales. There are one or more enlarged, conical spurs (or tubercles) on the upper hind limbs. African spurred tortoises will dig burrows in order to conserve moisture. The burrows may reach up to 10 feet below ground. Their skin is thickened and aids in the prevention of water loss. Much of the water they need to survive is extracted from the succulent vegetation that they feed on.