Leopards in Shells

Leopard Tortoises, Stigmochelys pardalis are widely distributed in South Africa and much of sub-Saharan Africa. It is easy to see where they get their name from.

These tortoises can live for up to 70 years and more in the wild. They are strict herbivores and are well adapted to arid environments.

The temperature at which the eggs are incubated determines the sexes of the hatchlings, with more females developing under higher temperatures, and more males when the temperature is cooler. The shells are very soft when the tortoises hatch.

This little one was only a few days old, and still has its eggtooth intact.