Leopard Tortoise - Survivor

A close-up view of a Leopard Tortoise.

This specific species is the largest in Southern Africa. It is tough, hardy and a true survivor. The young are readily eaten by Jackals, Eagles, Monitor lizards and such (as their shells are still soft). So for a big adult to make it to weights of around 10 kg, you can admire the many attempts on its life it had survived. Clearly the hard shell and scales are used in defensive. But it also does make a loud hissing sound when confronted.

The best time to spot these guys is during the mating season ... during the rainy season in Southern Africa (January to April).

comments (4)

JohnR

Lion

Great composition! :) Can't help but smile! Posted 10 years ago
1. Living Wild
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks John. They are funny indeed ... such a serious stare always. Posted 10 years ago

garrylomasphotography

Lion

Awwww bless. Great pic! Posted 10 years ago
1. Living Wild
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks a lot Garry. They are hilarious, even when they don't want to be. Posted 10 years ago

The Leopard tortoise

The Leopard tortoise is a large and attractively marked tortoise found in the savannas of Eastern and Southern Africa, from Sudan to the southern Cape. It is the only member of the genus "Stigmochelys", but in the past it was commonly placed in "Geochelone" instead.

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Similar species: Turtles And Tortoises

Species identified by Living Wild