Leopard tortoise

Description

It is the fourth largest tortoise species in the world and the second largest in Africa. Its shell is rounded and very large, with a yellowish creamy colour with leopard-like black spots, from where it gets its name. The legs are robust, they have rigid scales and strong claws. The coloured pattern of the young tortoise is different to that of the adult, as it is darker and more striking. 

Ethology

During mating season, the male chases the female and hits on the shell to make her stop moving. During mating, the male screams loudly. The female lays 5-30 eggs, although the average is 8-10 eggs per lay. The hatching time takes 130-180 days. 

Interesting facts

They do not usually attack: on the contrary, they usually defend themselves by retracting their legs and head into the shell for protection. When it is very hot or cold, they hide in abandoned foxholes or the burrows of jackals, anteaters or other animals. In many African towns the tortoise is an essential food and the shell is used as a musical instrument, a plate for eating or for other purposes.