Leopard Tortoise Care

The leopard tortoise, sometimes referred to as the African leopard tortoise, is a tortoise species native to the African Savannas, right from Sudan to the southern Cape. The fact that they are amongst the largest tortoise species in the world doesn't hold people back from keeping them as pets. On an average this tortoise species can live for approximately 50 years in captivity, however, if proper care is taken, they are known to live longer.

Leopard Tortoise Facts

The fourth largest species of tortoise in the world, the leopard tortoise can grow up to 18 inches in length and weigh approximately 18 lbs. Though this is the average size for this species, individuals much bigger than this have also been seen. These shy creatures are herbivorous in nature, most often feeding on a mix of dry and green grass. When it comes to breeding, leopard tortoises in captivity are known to attain sexual maturity much earlier than their counterparts in the wild. If you keep this species as a pet, it is of utmost importance to provide them with a habitat similar to that in the wild.

Habitat and Distribution
This leopard tortoise is found in several African nations, including Sudan, Namibia, Ethiopia, Angola, Botswana and Zambia. Being a grazing species of tortoise, it generally favors semi-arid and grassland habitat. Though they do inhabit regions with significant rainfall, the cases are quite rare. The species do not dig the ground, unless when it comes to laying eggs. In case of extreme temperatures, however, they do take shelter in the holes abandoned by some other animals.

Leopard Tortoise Care Guide

If you intend to keep a leopard tortoise as a pet, you will have to buy a hatchling carefully. You need to make sure that the hatchling you choose has clean and glossy eyes, as cloudy eyes are signs of ill health in tortoise species. Given below are some more aspects of pet care, you need to take into consideration when keeping this species as a pet.

Habitat in Captivity: The habitat for your pet tortoise should be as similar as the natural habitat for this animal. An outdoor captive habitat is ideal, especially if you live in a region with a warm and dry climate. The substrate for your pet leopard tortoise habitat should ideally include bark, soft sand and dry grass.

Heat and Light: Supply adequate heat and light for your pet using 100 watt UVB lamp, and a 60 watt red heat lamp. The ideal temperature should be between 80ºF-85ºF. It is better if you monitor the temperature of your pet habitat, and ensure that it doesn't drop below 70ºF or exceed 100ºF, both of which can turn out to be harmful.

Diet: Being herbivores, leopard tortoises are mostly known to feed on grass. However, you can include some fruits in their diet as well. One thing to make a note of is that your pet tortoise diet should not include too much of wet matter, as this may lead to digestive problems.

The trend of keeping exotic pets is on a rise, but one has to understand that it requires a lot more efforts as compared to a domestic species. If you follow the advice provided in this article, your pet leopard tortoise will undoubtedly stay healthy, and live a long life.