Fun Facts!

These tortoises are a favorite pet.

In the African Serengeti, drivers are told to watch for these tortoises on the road and to help them cross the street.
 

Leopard Tortoise

Geochelone pardalis

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

This is a large and beautifully marked tortoise. Each tortoise has unique markings and is easily identified by other tortoises. The shell sits high on the tortoise and is in the shape of a dome. Markings on the shell include black blotches, spots or even dashes or stripes. The leopard tortoise often measures 18-24 inches across its shell and can weigh up to 50 pounds.

HABITAT

The leopard tortoise is found throughout the savannas of Africa, ranging from the Sudan to the southern Cape.

DIET IN THE WILD

This tortoise grazes on mixed grasses, but it also likes fruit and succulents—especially the pads of the prickly pear cactus.

BEHAVIOR

These slow movers and would rather defend themselves than attack. When they are in trouble, they will retract into their shell and remain there until they feel safe.

STATUS IN THE WILD/CONSERVATION EFFORTS

This tortoise population is being watched. Some healthy populations still exist in rural areas, national parks and nature reserves. However, one of the main predators of this animal is humans, as this tortoise is a main food item for many local people. Young tortoises are easy prey for monitor lizards, storks, crows and small mammals.

LIFE SPAN

This animal can live 80 years in the wild and 100 in captivity.