Leopard Tortoise Care Information

The leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) is the fourth-largest species of tortoise in the world, with typical adults reaching 16” and weighing 29 lbs (babcocki pardalis). The pardalis pardalis subspecies tortoise can reach up to two feet in length and weigh up to 80 pounds. The carapace for both is high domed with steep, almost vertic

The leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) is the fourth-largest species of tortoise in the world, with typical adults reaching 16” and weighing 29 lbs (babcocki pardalis). The pardalis pardalis subspecies tortoise can reach up to two feet in length and weigh up to 80 pounds. The carapace for both is high domed with steep, almost vertical sides. Juveniles and young adults are attractively marked with black blotches, spots, or even dashes and stripes on a yellow background. As they mature, the markings tend to fade to a nondescript brown or grey. The head and limbs are uniformly colored yellow, tan, or brown. Tortoises lack ears but can sense vibrations from the surrounding environment.

They also lack teeth but have a sharp beak for tearing into foods.

They’re capable of living 80-100 years. This tortoise is a grazing species that favors semiarid, thorny to grassland habitats. Leopard tortoises do not hibernate and should have access to warm, dry housing throughout the cooler months. These tortoises are prone to respiratory infections if kept in substandard conditions. This species does not dig other than to make nests in which to lay eggs.

The leopard tortoise is a widespread species and remains common throughout most of its originating range. Human activities, including agricultural burning, consumption, and especially commercial exploitation in the pet trade are potential threats, but have not yet caused significant population declines. They are increasingly being

successf

The leopard tortoise is a widespread species and remains common throughout most of its originating range. Human activities, including agricultural burning, consumption, and especially commercial exploitation in the pet trade are potential threats, but have not yet caused significant population declines. They are increasingly being

successfully bred in captivity.

These tortoises are well adapted to hot, arid areas but must have access to clean water daily. A large shallow soaking dish is optimal. The tortoise will enter the water dish, drink their fill and then poop it out. This practice helps cleanse their system and keeps the tortoise hydrated.

Leopard tortoises try to seek shade and avoid activity during the hottest parts of the day. Most common predators are raccoons and rodents, but they can also succumb to an ant infestation. I’ve found that OptiGard Ant Gel works great to eradicate the ants and their nest. Since raccoons and rodents are most active at night make sure your tortoise

house entryway can be secured.

Given its propensity for grassland habitats, leopards graze extensively upon mixed grasses. They also favor succulents and thistles. Plant their habitat accordingly for long term healthy pets.

The leopard tortoise reaches sexual maturity between 10 to 15 years of age. During the mating season, males fight over females (sounds familiar), ramming and butting their competitors. They trail after females quite persistently, often ramming them into submission (so charming).

When mating, the male makes distinct grunting vocalizations (

The leopard tortoise reaches sexual maturity between 10 to 15 years of age. During the mating season, males fight over females (sounds familiar), ramming and butting their competitors. They trail after females quite persistently, often ramming them into submission (so charming).

When mating, the male makes distinct grunting vocalizations (serenading?). Nesting can occur throughout the year when the female digs a hole about 1’ deep and lays  a clutch of 5 to 30 eggs. As many as 4 to 7 clutches may be laid in a single season. Incubation takes 3-5 months depending on temperature. The numerous predators of the

eggs and hatchlings include monitor lizards, snakes, raccoons, squirrels, rodents, and ravens. Neither the male nor female are involved in parenting their offspring

(Should CPS be notified?)

HATCHLINGS should be kept in a high humidity environment for the first 1-3 years of their lives. A secure, 4’x4’ outdoor enclosure with hides and protection from birds is ideal for daytime exposure. Add a mister with a timer to go off 2-3 times daily. Plant with gazanias, watercress,

dandelions and grasses to encourage their grazing instinct. If that is not an option, offer packaged spring mix and dandelion greens sprinkled with calcium powder regularly along with Mazuri pellets softened in water about every 3 days. Bring in each night to a warm bin or terrarium

with hides. The terrarium or bin should always be large enough for effortless mobility. Nighttime temperatures should not drop below 75 degrees.

Leopard tortoises are herbivores, and their diet should consist of various plants including flowers, thistles, grasses, and succulents. They will consume berries and other fruits when available, but these should only be offered sparingly. Tortoises do much better consuming fresh vegetation planted in their enclosure rather than store boug

Leopard tortoises are herbivores, and their diet should consist of various plants including flowers, thistles, grasses, and succulents. They will consume berries and other fruits when available, but these should only be offered sparingly. Tortoises do much better consuming fresh vegetation planted in their enclosure rather than store bought produce.

AVOID spinach, kale, and broccoli as these tend to bind the calcium in their system.

Cuttlebones should always be present to nibble on to help keep their beaks trimmed and add calcium to their system. 

Crushed eggshells mixed in with a “salad” will also ensure they get the calcium necessary for bone development. 

Seeds can pass undigested through the gut, so the leopard tortoise, along with other tortoise species plays a significant

role in seed dispersal. Native grasses and succulents, grape vines, mixed greens, dandelions, cucumbers, sweet potato, water cress, apple, shredded carrot, tomatoes, Timothy/Bermuda hay, Mazuri pellets provide a variable and healthy diet.