The Leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) is a large and attractively marked tortoise.
It is found in the savannas of eastern and southern Africa, from Sudan to the southern Cape and is the only member of the genus Stigmochelys.
This is a grazing species of tortoise that favors semi-arid, thorny to grassland habitats, although some leopard tortoises have been found in rainier areas.
In both very hot and very cold weather they may dwell in abandoned fox, jackal, or anteater holes.
Leopard tortoises do not dig other than to make nests in which to lay eggs.
Not surprisingly, given its propensity for grassland habitats, it grazes extensively upon mixed grasses.
It also favors succulents and thistles. The African Leopard Tortoise typically lives 80 to 100 years.