Leopard tortoise

The Leopard Tortoise

The Leopard Tortoise(Stigmochelys pardalis) is a large land tortoise from southern Africa. Females are more imposing than males: they can reach 70 cm in length and weigh up to 50 kg. Their domed, mottled carapace is reminiscent of a leopard's coat, hence their scientific name pardalis, meaning "panther" in Latin.

Habitat and lifestyle

This turtle lives in savannahs and dry plains, sometimes at altitudes of up to 1,000 meters. Accustomed to arid conditions, it can travel great distances to find fresh vegetation. It feeds mainly on grasses, leaves and fruit that have fallen to the ground.

Characteristics and behavior

The Leopard Tortoise is diurnal, taking advantage of the sun's warmth to regulate its body temperature. Juveniles often have two dark spots on each scale, while adults develop a complex pattern of yellow and black stripes and spots. This species is not particularly endangered, although some local populations still use its shell to make decorative objects or crafts.

Distribution and subspecies

In the wild, the leopard tortoise is found from Sudan to South Africa. Individuals from the south of the continent, belonging to the ancient pardalis subspecies, are smaller and more colorful than those from the north(babcocki). At Park A Cupulatta, they evolve in spaces adapted to their native environment, reminiscent of the warm, open landscapes of southern Africa.

Click here to discover and visit the A Cupulatta turtle park near Ajaccio.