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Leopard Tortoise

 

Animalia

Reptile

 

Leopard tortoises get their name because of the spotted pattern on their shell and are native to European and South African grasslands.   They prefer semi-arid thorny areas to grasslands habitats and do not tolerate damp and cold areas.  Tortoises live on land and do not swim and have high domed shells.  They have thick, heavy scales on their front legs that they use to shield their faces.  Tortoises have round, sturdy legs for walking on land and their back feet have four toes.

 

They do not hibernate and feed on 100% herbivorous diets.  Leopard tortoises grow quite rapidly.