Leopard tortoises wander through the plains and are often seen after rain. Their high-domed shell has a striking pattern of black and yellow.
Tortoises
Leopard Tortoise
Stigmochelys pardalis
A patterned, slow-walking tortoise of dry savannah.
Size
Up to 70 cm; 20-40 kg
Lifespan
50-100 years
Diet
Grass, succulents and fruit.
Habitat
Dry savannah and scrub.
About the leopard tortoise
Did you know?
01
The shell pattern fades with age.
02
They can survive long dry spells.
03
They shelter in burrows made by other animals.
When to see it
Seen all year round; the best sightings depend on where you are.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Dec
Trips that go there
Where to meet the leopard tortoise
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