Leopard Tortoise Stigmochelys pardalis (prev. Geochelone pardalis)

The Leopard Tortoise, named after the spotted, dark markings on its light shell, is native to dry scrub and semi-grassland of sub-Saharan east and southern Africa.

The shell colour and markings provide camouflage in its sandy, arid habitat. The markings fade with age.

It is the second largest tortoise on mainland Africa. Like most tortoises, is long-lived in the wild, and can reach up to 100 years.

Juveniles. The tortoise has an important role in regeneration of its savannah and scrub habitat by eating grass but passing out and dispersing the undigested seeds.