Care sheet
Leopard Tortoise
Stigmochelys pardalis
Testudinidae · Testudines
- Activity
- ☀️ Diurnal
- Temperament
- Hands-off
- Adult length
- 12–18 in
- Adult weight
- 10000–18000 g
- Lifespan (captivity)
- 50–75 yrs
- Native range
- Eastern & southern Africa — savanna and semi-arid grassland
Care guide
Overview
Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) — a large African grazer reaching 12-18 in, needing a big heated outdoor space, strong UVB, and a strict high-fiber grass/hay diet. Does not hibernate; keep warm year-round.
Environment
Climate
Environment
UVB lighting
Housing
Enclosure
- HatchlingNot specified
- JuvenileNot specified
- AdultLarge heated outdoor enclosure preferred; adults are not tank animals
Housing
Substrate
Nutrition
Diet & feeding
- AdultFree-choice grazing / daily high-fiber grasses, hay, and weeds
Calcium dusting; strictly high-fiber grasses & hay. Avoid fruit and protein (causes shell pyramiding/health issues).
Care
Water & behavior
Shallow water pan always available.
Soak juveniles weekly; maintain moderate humidity to reduce pyramiding.
Legal & ecology
Conservation
CITES Appendix II; IUCN Least Concern. A large grazing tortoise that does NOT hibernate and needs year-round warmth and space.
Citations
Sources
Every husbandry parameter on this page is backed by the references below. Click through to read the originals.
- Stigmochelys pardalis — species accountacademic
Animal Diversity Web, U. Michigan
African savanna range, grazing herbivore biology.
Published: 2020-01-01
- government
Least Concern; CITES Appendix II.
Published: 2019-01-01
- Leopard Tortoise Care Sheetbreeder community
ReptiFiles (Mariah Healey)
Outdoor space, basking, UVB, high-fiber grass/hay diet, no hibernation.
Published: 2022-01-01