Leopard Tortoise

Stigmochelys pardalis

The fourth largest tortoise in the world, and the largest in Southern Africa. It is the only member of its genus. Found commonly in thick shrub and grassland habitats, they are grazers of grasses and succulent plants where it gets most of its water needs. It may inhabit holes but usually retreats into a bush or thicket. Very long lived animal, may live for up to 80 years of age.

Size:: Up to 40kg
Diet:: Grasses, succulent plants & thistles
Speed:: Slow moving as all land tortoises are! Perhaps 2 km/hr at best.
Habitat:: Varied habitats, favours semi-arid and arid shrubland.
Superpower:: Retreats its head into the thick carapace (shell) that is almost impossible to bite through, making adult sized tortoises not very vulnerable to natural predators other than humans.

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