Leopard Tortoise

Breed: Leopard Tortoise
Scientific name: Stigmochelys pardalis
Place of Origin: Sub-Saharan Africa
Classification: Tortoise
Average Price: R1,000 - R2,000 (Permit required)

Size Category: large
Avg. Height: 70 cm.
Avg. Weight: 20 to 40 Kg.
Avg. Lifespan: 50 to 100 years.

Colours:
Black and yellow/tan spotted or blotched shell.

Covering:
scales

Vocalisation level:
quiet

Temprament:
Gentle, quiet, and slow-moving. They are shy and do not typically enjoy being handled.

Trainability:
difficult

Diet type: herbivore
Feeding frequency: Daily access to grazing on grasses and weeds.

Foods to avoid:
High protein foods like dog food; excessive fruit, spinach, and cabbage.

Health Concerns:
Can suffer from shell rot in damp conditions and respiratory infections. Pyramiding of the shell can occur from improper diet.

Recommended Supplements:
Calcium supplement (cuttlebone) is crucial.

Grooming:
Provide a shallow water dish for soaking. Beaks and nails may need occasional trimming.

Exercise:
Requires a very large, secure outdoor enclosure for grazing and basking.

Handling:
Safe, but can be very heavy to lift. Can deliver a powerful bite if threatened.
Ideal Location:
Thrives in warmer, drier biomes. Ideal for outdoor enclosures in Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, and the KZN interior.

Space Requirements:
Very large, secure garden. Not suitable for indoor-only living.

Climate Suitability: desert

Temperature Range: Outdoor, needs constant access to sun for basking and shade for cooling.

Humidity Range: Prefers dry conditions.