SHERMAN

Leopard Tortoise

Stigmochelys pardalis

Life expectancy: 80 to 100 years
Habitat: Native to the savannas of eastern and southern Africa.
Hatched: 1974

Characteristics: Herbivore



Fun Facts About LEOPARD TORTOISE

  • Leopard Tortoises are well camouflaged and are difficult to capture given their thick, heavy shells.
  • Nearly 80% of hatchlings may be eaten by predators such as foxes and mongooses.
  • Adult tortoises are preyed upon by man.
  • They are more defensive than offensive, retracting their feet and head into their shell for protection resulting in a hissing sound, probably due to the squeezing of air from the lungs as the limbs and head are retracted.
  • Early sailors kept tortoises on their ships, using them as a source of Vitamin C.