Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis)

The Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) is a large, herbivorous tortoise native to the grasslands of eastern and southern Africa. Named for its attractive, spotted shell, it can grow up to 70 cm long and weigh over 40 kg. These solitary, slow-moving reptiles graze on grasses and occasionally gnaw bones for calcium. Known for their longevity—often living 50 years or more—they play an important ecological role in seed dispersal.