Leopard Tortoise
(Geochelone pardalis)

Leopard tortoises are the fourth largest tortoises in the world and the second largest on Mainland Africa. Leopard tortoises can reach carapace sizes of over two feet in length and weigh over 100 pounds. Most specimens usually only reach carapace lengths of 15 - 18 inches and weigh 30 – 50 pounds. Male leopard tortoises are sometimes larger than females. The leopard tortoise has a yellowish or buff colored highly domed carapace with black blotches. Male leopard tortoises have longer and thicker tails then female leopard tortoises and have slightly concave plastrons.

Difficulty

MODERATE to ADVANCED: While Leopard tortoises have a great temperment, their large size and lighting requirements make them less than ideal for new tortoise keepers.

Requirements

An enclosure, such as:

• Custom constructed enclosure

Substrate, such as:

• Sand/Soil mix

A heating element, such as:

• UV producing bulb
• Under the tank heater
• Incandescent heat bulb
• Ceramic infrared heat emitters

Enclosure

Because of the size of the leopard tortoise, you will need to build a custom enclosure. If you live in a region that is warm enough, the enclosure can be built outside and they can live outside all year round. A shelter with a ramp should be provided for these outdoor enclosures. When housed outdoors, fencing should extend at least two feet underground. If you live in a region with cold winters, an average sized adult will need a six foot by six foot indoor grazing area and a six foot by six foot basking area. If the leopard tortoise does not get enough room to exercise the tortoise may lose muscle mass.

Substrate

The substrate or bedding that you use is one of the most important parts of your Leopard tortoise's home, since your tortoise will be spending all of its time on it. A mix of 50% sterile play sand and a 50% organic soil works well. Indoor/Outdoor carpeting can also be used as an effective substrate for your leopard tortoise. Be sure to have at least two identical pieces so that you can simply place the clean piece of carpeting in the enclosure while you rinse and disenfect the soiled piece. You can then allow the newly cleaned piece of carpeting to dry for the next days use. It is important to completely rinse the carpet after cleaning it to be sure there is no residual chemicals remaining on the carpet that could irritate your leopard tortoise. Aspen wood shavings provide an excellent, absorbent choice for your leopard tortoise as well. Be sure to stay away from cedar or pine shavings as these can cause health problems for your leopard tortoise.

Heating and Light

Leopard tortoises should have daytime temperatures of 70°F to 85°F with a 85°F to 90°F basking area under a spotlight. Nightime temperatures should be 60°F to 65°F. Leopard tortoises require UV light for proper metabolic and bone development. This can be provided with fluorecent bulbs or mercury vapor spot lights which also provide heat. A spotlight with an appropriate wattage incandescnet bulb or ceramic emitter can be used to provide heat. Many hobbyists will install thermometers or thermostats in the enclsosure to be able to accurately maintain these temperatures. Heated rocks and caves are never recommended for your leopard tortoise as they can lead to burns

Diet

Leopard tortoises are grazers and need high fiber and low protein diet. Mixed grasses, orchard hay, timothy hay, optunia pads and berries, hibiscus leaves and flowers, clove, prickly pear pads, dandelion greens and flower, Dutch clover, rosleaves and petals, sow thistle, romaine, and red leaf lettuce. You can also give mulberry leaves and grape leaves in limited quantities. Animal protein should never be offered to your leopard tortoise and fruits should be rarely offered.