Step into the world of our leopard tortoises and unlock the wonders of these extraordinary creatures
The fourth largest tortoise species in the world can be found roaming the savannahs of Eastern and Southern Africa, where it grazes for grasses, succulents and thistles.
Leopard tortoises also eat hyena droppings (a behaviour called coprophagia) and chew on animal bones (called osteophagia). Both droppings and bones contain high levels of minerals that help the tortoise keep its shell strong and healthy and produce eggshells.
The panels on a tortoise shell are called scutes. Scutes grow with seasons and the ridges on them can be counted to gauge the animals age.
Leopard tortoises can store water in a specialised organ called the bursa sac during dry periods. Females also use it to stay hydrated, moistening hard and dry ground so they can dig burrows to lay eggs.
Leopard tortoises are crepuscular, being primarily active around dawn and dusk.
Quick facts
Distribution:
Southern and Eastern Africa
Habitat:
Dry and arid regions, like savannahs, thorn-scrub, and mesic brushland
Conservation Status:
Least Concern