About Stigmochelys pardalis (Bell, 1828)
The leopard tortoise, scientifically named Stigmochelys pardalis (Bell, 1828), is the fourth largest tortoise species in the world. Typical adult leopard tortoises grow to 40 cm (16 in) long and weigh 13 kg (29 lb). Adults tend to be larger at the northern and southern ends of the species' range, where typical specimens can weigh up to 20 kg (44 lb), and exceptionally large individuals may reach 70 cm (28 in) and weigh 40 kg (88 lb). The species' carapace is high, domed, and has steep, nearly vertical sides. Juveniles and young adults have distinctive attractive markings: black blotches, spots, dashes, or stripes on a yellow background. The markings fade to a plain brown or grey in fully mature adults. The head and limbs are uniformly yellow, tan, or brown. Leopard tortoises are widely distributed across arid and savanna regions of eastern and southern Africa, ranging from South Sudan and Somalia, through East Africa, to South Africa and Namibia. The species is generally not found in the humid forest regions of Central Africa. Across their range, leopard tortoises occupy a wider variety of habitats than any other African tortoise, including grasslands, thorn-scrub, mesic brushland, and savannas. They can be found at altitudes from sea level up to 2,900 m (9,500 ft). Leopard tortoises are herbivorous, with a diet that includes a wide variety of plants such as forbs, thistles, grasses, and succulents. They eat berries and other fruits when these are available. They sometimes gnaw on bones, ash, and even hyena feces to get calcium, which is needed for bone development and eggshell production. Seeds can pass undigested through the leopard tortoise's gut, so the species plays a significant role in seed dispersal. Leopard tortoises are normally active during the day, and become less active in hot weather or the dry season. The species reaches sexual maturity between 12 and 15 years old, and can live 80 to 100 years. During mating season, males fight over females by ramming and butting competing males. Males trail after females over long distances, often ramming them until they submit. Males produce grunting vocalizations while mating. Nesting takes place between May and October. The female digs a hole to lay a clutch of 5 to 30 eggs, and can lay as many as 5 to 7 clutches in a single breeding season. Incubation lasts 8 to 15 months, with the duration varying based on temperature. Many predators hunt leopard tortoise eggs and hatchlings, including monitor lizards, snakes, jackals, and crows. Adult leopard tortoises have few natural predators, though lions and hyenas have been recorded preying on them occasionally.
