- Common Group: TORTOISES
- Common Name: Leopard Tortoise
- Scientific Name: Geochelone Pardalis
- Distribution: Central & South Africa
- Size: 16-18” average. Max size 24”
Natural Habitat:
This species is native to tropical woodlands and arid savannah habitats. Adults are best kept in an outdoor enclosure (15’ x 15’ x 2’ ) when in captivity, but it must be warm, as they need very warm temperatures to digest their food and if the enclosure is too cold the tortoise will not eat much, because they will find it difficult to digest the food.
Behaviour:
Docile and friendly, easy to handle.
Captive Environment:
Use full spectrum lighting 12-14 hours per day, ( max lifespan of bulb is 12 months). Provide a basking area with access to a cooler zone. Provide an uncluttered enclosure with maximum floor space.
Temperature:
Day temperature should be gradient from 30 to 34 degrees C. Maintain night temperature range between 20—22 degrees C. Use a thermostat to obtain correct temperatures.
Humidity:
This species requires low to moderate levels of humidity.
Water Requirements:
Provide a large shallow bowl for drinking and soaking.
Nutritional Requirements:
A herbivorous diet is best for these tortoises, even though some like to eat the occasional bug or cricket, it is not advisable to offer these as it could lead to gut problems. They like dark greens (collard, mustard greens, turnip, dandelions, parsley, cabbage,), and as much natural food as possible. Feed beets, cabbage, spinach, and/ or kale in small amounts. Supplement leafy diet with squash, grated carrot, alfalfa hay and zucchini. 10% of diet may include fruits (papayas, mangos, figs).
