Leopard Tortoise

Geochelone Pardalis

Sub-Saharan Africa from Sudan to the southern cape – savannah grasslands

Scientific name Geochelone pardalis

IUCN status Not listed

Habitat Sub-Saharan Africa from Sudan to the southern cape – savannah grasslands

Diet Herbivore – mixed grasses, prickly pear, cactus, succulents, thistles

Attractively marked with black blotches, spots, dashes or stripes on a creamy yellow background, the leopard tortoise is the world’s fourth largest tortoise species with a maximum shell diameter of around 61cm (24in). In temperature extremes, leopard tortoises often shelter in abandoned fox, jackal or anteater
holes. Their lifespan is up to 50 years. Captive breeding is helping to protect those in the wild.

Did you know?
Tortoises are associated with strength and immortality in many cultures.