Stigmochelys pardalis Leopard Tortoise Class: Reptilia. Order: Testudines. Family: Testudinidae. Other names:

Physical Description: The second largest tortoise native to Africa and the fourth largest species of tortoise in the world, the Leopard Tortoise is a relatively large, attractively marked tortoise found in the savannas of Southeastern Africa. Their carapace is typically high and domed, often with pyramid-shaped, well-defined scutes of cream and black. Skin is typically yellow to cream-colored, and the yellow carapace is uniquely marked with black splotches, rings or even lines. They generally measure 10-18” in length and weigh roughly 40 pounds, although larger exceptions have been noted at almost 28” long and 120 pounds! Males are distinguished from females by having a concave plastron and larger tail.

One of the most unique features of turtles and tortoises is their protective shell. Because of the shell, flight, running, and climbing are not evolutionary options! But some adaptive radiation occurs within the order. Turtles and tortoises inhabit marshes, lakes, rivers and the open sea, as well as forests, grasslands and deserts. The top shell is called the carapace and the bottom shell the plastron. The carapace develops from a layer of skin and the backbone and ribs are fused to the carapace. The plastron is developed from the bones of the shoulder girdle. The shell is so successful that it is the cornerstone of turtle design and lends to the lineage’s longevity while at the same time limiting species diversity.

Diet in the Wild: As herbivorous grazers, they consume a wide variety of grasses and vegetation, in addition to fruit, when available. They especially enjoy consuming the fruit and pads of prickly pear cacti, which provide much needed moisture.

Diet at the Zoo: Tortoise biscuits, mustard greens, collard greens, escarole, romaine, sweet potato, carrot.

Habitat & Range: Semi-arid grasslands and savannahs in Central and Southeast Africa – from Sudan and the Congo, South through Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia, and East to the coast.

Life Span: Can live 50-100 years in the wild.

Perils in the wild: Few animals prey on tortoises, since their shell is very effective protection. They are, however, collected for pets and sometimes even hunted and consumed as a local food source.

Physical Adaptations: Like most turtles, they can pull their head and feet into their shell when threatened, and often emit a notable hissing sound when doing so, to warn off predators. Trunk-like rear legs, and paddle-shaped front legs, with toenails, allow them to easily maneuver over rocky terrain. Keen sense of smell helps them locate food. They can even store water in large anal sacs that occupy a large amount of space in their abdominal cavities, allowing them to be successful in their arid environment. 09/04/2012

Behavioral Adaptations: Crepuscular, they are most active during early morning and early evening hours, when the temperature is most moderate. They seek shelter during the hottest part of the day, and go to sleep early to avoid cold temperatures. Typically are solitary animals, and exhibit no parental care.

Reproduction and Development: As a long-lived animal, the Leopard Tortoise typically does not reach sexual maturity until the ages of 12-15 in the wild. However, in captivity, they can grow more quickly, and often reach sexual maturity as young as age six. Males court the females by ramming the female, and while mating, males produce grunting vocalizations. After creating a nest about 5-15” deep, females lay a clutch of 5-30 eggs, cover the eggs, and leave. Females may produce up to 7 clutches per nesting season. Among land tortoises, they have the longest incubation period – with some records indicating an incubation of more than 400 days! Typically, incubation is 8-14 months. Hatchlings are brightly colored and entirely independent when hatched.

Additional Information: Leopard Tortoises are the most widespread tortoise in sub-Saharan Africa, and although not considered threatened, they are hunted and consumed locally for food. Historically, they were heavily exploited for the pet trade, but a rise in captive breeding has reduced this threat.

Conservation Status: (IUCN Status) The IUCN has not yet assessed this species.

Conservation Efforts: Although widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, they face pressure from habitat loss and are still collected from the wild to be sold as pets.

Glossary: List of definitions of the most important recurrent technical terms used in the text.

Carapace - The top shell of a turtle. The carapace develops from a layer of skin and the backbone and ribs are fused to the carapace.

Crepuscular – Active at dusk and dawn.

Plastron - The lower shell of a turtle, developed from the bones of the shoulder girdle.

Scute - Any enlarged scale on a reptile; sometimes called a “plate”.

Sources: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens http://nickteezy408.deviantart.com/art/Leopard-Tortoise-187568945 http://www.reptilechannel.com/care-sheets/leopard-tortoise.aspx

09/04/2012

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopard_tortoise http://www.marylandzoo.org/animals-conservation/reptiles/leopard-tortoise/

09/04/2012