Leopard Tortoise (D.U.W.)

Geochelone Pardalis
We recently took in a beautiful male leopard tortoise.
He came to us after spending eight years in a 40 breeder and eating pellet tortoise food products. He was turned over when the man "realized he could no longer care for the animal properly". Sad he realized it now, instead of when he was younger. But anyhow:
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...ortoise010.JPG

Leopard Tortoises inhabit grassland and savannas through out Africa (from Ethiopia through eastern into southern Africa.
This tortoise is sadly threatened in it's home regions due to poaching / hunting for the pet trade, meat, and medicinal purposes. Also due to habitat destruction from warfare and human population.
These tortoises are the fourth largest tortoise species in the world. They can reach over 100 lbs in weight (with good care) with females growing larger then males.
Largest on record: Male~26 inches long Female over 28 inches long
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...ortoise004.JPG

These tortoises are big grazers. They are not all that picky about what they devour and a varied diet is best. Grass (Bermuda grass) should be their main staple with add ins such as watermelon, bananas, melons with roses and cactus berries as a treat. Of course don't forget supplemental calcium & minerals.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...ortoise002.JPG

Leopards can be a wonderful and exciting tortoise species to keep, but they can be allot of work. I wouldn't recommend them as a beginner species. They need to live in large pens with a minimum of ten yards X ten yards, and with the ability to push through most landscaped gardens and fences it can be a bit tricky to house them properly.

Hope this was informative, if you have any questions feel free to ask.
Thanks
Rusty

I meant to add that there are two subspecies:
Geochelone Pardalis Pardalis, and G.P. babcocki.
Rusty