The leopard tortoise is the largest species found in South Africa, reaching a weight of 13-40kg and carapace length of 300-750mm, they can get as old as a 100 years but average 30-75 years.
The shape, patterning and colour can vary in these tortoises. Their shells are lighter in the dry areas than those in moist areas and the high domed-shell protects them from the heat. Their paddle-shaped forelimbs have irregular shaped spiny scales and their rear legs are quite strong. The leopard tortoise can climb over rocky areas and are even able to float and swim.
The leopard tortoise enjoys feeding on rotten fruit, grass and succulents. They need to stay close to water as they drink quite a bit.
Tortoises are loners but during the breeding season the males combats with other males for a female, after the battle is won they like to trail the female and butting her till she accepts him. The females dig holes of about 250mm deep where they can lay up to 24 eggs, which they cover for incubation, a period from 8-15 months depending on the temperatures. Hatchlings weigh 23-50g and are 40-50mm in length, the young must wait for rain to soften the soil so they can dig themselves out.
The leopard tortoise has many enemies, the hatchlings and juveniles are a delightful meal for rock monitors, storks and small carnivores. These tortoises enjoy taking long journeys of 25-50km from their homes, looking for food and shelter.
All photos taken with a Nikon L840.
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