Identification

• The African leopard tortoise can grow to about 24 inches (60 centimeters), though the average size is between 16 and 18 inches. They have a high, rounded shell that makes up the bulk of their body. It is covered in squarish scales that are dark brown on the outer edges, light brown or yellow on the inner area, with a darker spot in the center. These resemble leopard spots, which is how the tortoise got its name. African leopard tortoises have a small tail, four short legs and a rounded head.
  
  

Features

• The most obvious feature of an African leopard tortoise is its shell, which offers the animal protection. The tail, legs and head of the tortoise can be pulled into its shell and a flap in the front can close to further protect the head. The pattern of the shell also helps the tortoise camouflage itself in its natural environment. On each of the tortoise's feet is a set of tiny claws. These are used for digging and to help the tortoise move. African leopard tortoises have a hard "beak" instead of teeth. This slightly curved feature helps the tortoise tear apart food.
  
  

Habitat

• The African leopard tortoise's habitat covers a wide area in Africa, as its name suggests. It can be found in savannah habitats that range from the Sudan South to the Cape Province of South Africa, which basically means anywhere in Central to South Africa. The tortoise's shell is well camouflaged in the grassy, sandy and rocky terrain.
  
  

Diet

• These tortoises eat a mix of the savannah's wild grasses and wildflowers. Cactus are also on the African leopard tortoise's diet as they provide both nutrients and water that is needed in a dry environment. Tortoises that are in captivity should be given a high-fiber and -nutrient diet of vegetables and leaf greens, but should not be given fruits.
  
  

Types

• There are two types, or sub-species, of African leopard tortoises. The first is the Geochelone pardalis babcocki sub-species. This is the most common of the two and it can be found throughout the entire range of the species. The second sub-species is Geochelone pardalis pardalis. This is the slightly larger tortoise of the two. Its shell also has less of a dome, giving it a flatter appearance. This sub-species lives in the southern parts of the habitat range.