Leopard Tortoise

The Leopard tortoise(Geochelone pardalis) is a large and attractively marked tortoise which has a wide distribution in sub-Saharan Africa, including recorded localities in southern Sudan, Ethiopia, Eastern Africa (including Natal), Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Angola and Southwest Africa. This chelonian is a large, grazing species of tortoise that favours semi-arid, thorny to grassland habitats. It is, however, also found in some regions featuring a higher level of precipitation, although some leopard tortoises have been found in rainier areas. In both very hot and very cold weather they may dwell in abandoned fox, jackal, or anteater holes. Leopard Tortoises do not dig other than to make nests in which to lay eggs. Not surprisingly, given its propensity for grassland habitats it grazes, extensively upon mixed grasses. It also favours the fruit and pads of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia sp.), succulents and thistles. It grows to quite a respectable size, with adults reaching 16 - 18 inches (40 - 50 cm) and 40 pounds (18 Kg). Large examples may be 60 cm (over 2 feet) long and weigh about 80 lbs. They generally have a life span of 50 years.
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Geochelone pardalis
General Info:
Adult's shell length can reach a 18" diameter.
Tortoises can be long-lived pets if maintained properly. It is estimated that their lifespan can reach upwards of 50 years or more!
Temperature/Humidity:
Ideal daytime temperature for leopard tortoises should range between 85 and 90 degrees. Additionally, a basking area should maintain a local temperature of 100 to 110 degrees. Night time temperature should remain between 75 and 80 degrees. The humidity for these tortoises should be kept very low. Provide a shelter that allows for some humidity in an otherwise "desert" enclosure.
Lighting:
All tortoises require ultraviolet lighting to maintain good health and shell structure. Ultraviolet lighting is recommended for 12 hours per day.
Feeding/Watering:
Leopard tortoises are vegetarian (eat mainly plant matter). Therefore their diet should include vegetables and limited fruit (as treats only). Suggested foods: kale, collard, mustard and turnip greens, romaine or green leaf lettuce, green peppers, tomatoes, cooked sweet potatoes, squash, cauliflower, thawed frozen mixed vegetables, berries, cherries, bananas, plums. When feeding fruits & vegetables, use ten vegetables to every fruit per meal. Feeding tortoises every other day is suggested as well as dusting food with vitamin/calcium powder every other feeding. Always remove food four hours after it offered to prevent spoilage. A small, shallow water dish is recommended to allow the tortoise to drink without the risk of drowning. Additionally, using a large "litterbox", allow tortoise to soak (supervised) 2-3 times weekly in room temperature water. The water should only be deep enough to allow for soaking without the risk of inhaling water (1/4 height of tortoise).
Habitat/Housing:
Individual tortoises can be maintained in a 40 to 55 gallon aquarium. A screen lid is essential for proper air exchange. For multiple pets, increase habitat size accordingly to ensure each tortoise has plenty of space to move about and not interfere with tankmates. An undertank heater should be placed on the same end of the tank used for basking. A shelter for hiding is necessary, especially if multiple pets are in the same enclosure. Misting the habitat once daily will help maintain proper humidity levels.
Substrate (Bedding):
2" to 3" inches of Kaytee Reptile Bedding or timothy hay, is recommended for tortoise terrariums to encourage their natural burrowing instinct. The substrate should be kept dry and changed regularly to avoid bacterial growth.