Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis)

Leopard Tortoise Stigmochelys pardalis
Name	Leopard Tortoise
Name Lat.	Stigmochelys pardalis
Synonym	Geochelone pardalis
Family	Tortoises
Family lat.	Testudinidae
Order	Turtles
Order lat.	Testudines
Origin	SE-Africa
Habitat	Savanna, semi-desert
Diet	Herbs, grass, veggies
Humidity	40-60 %
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Individual, pair, harem
Care Level	Difficult
Reproduction	Oviparous
Housing	Dry terrarium
Life Span	70 years
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EU Annex B
Metric Units
Size	46-60 cm
Temperature	25-28 °C
Temperature Local	35-45 °C
Housing Size	400 x 200 x 100 cm
US Units
Size	18"-24"
Temperature	77-82 °F
Temperature Local	95-113 °F
Housing Size	155" x 80" x 40"

Distribution and habitat

The range of the panther turtles extends over large parts of eastern and southern Africa from Ethiopia to Namibia. There they live in different vegetation zones, such as semi-deserts and dry-hot grassland and scrubland, as well as areas with high rainfall.

Maintenance

Minimum dimensions for the terrarium, according to the size and number of animals

1-2 animals

8PL x 4PL (L x W)

The carapace length (PL) is measured on the largest animal. For each additional animal the footprint has to be increased by10 %, from the 5th animal on by 20 %. A terrarium of e.g.400 x 200 x 100 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place.

They need a terrarium structured with branches, large plants and stones with a graveable substrate, e.g. of sand-loam-gravel mixture, as well as an easy to clean, large water basin as drinking and bathing possibility. A small part of the substrate should always be kept slightly moist. In the case of group housing, separate retreats (visual separation) should be provided.

Temp. day: 25-28 °C

Temp. night: 18-22 °C

Temp. local: 35-45 °C

Humidity: 40-60

Thermostatically controlled floor heating is recommended. Lighting duration must be 10-14 hrs, depending on the season. They need high light intensity and daily UV irradiation as well as sunny places with radiant heat.

Diet

They are omnivores, but they feed almost exclusively vegetarian. The diet consists of a wide range of wild herbs (plantain, dandelion, parsley, etc.), grass, hay and hay dressings, clover, sweet grasses, mushrooms, succulents, cacti and vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, cabbage leaves, cucumbers, zucchini and carrots, supplemented with commercial ready-made food for tortoises. Occasionally, about every 6 weeks, they require small amounts of animal protein, such as earthworms, snails or grasshoppers, and small pieces of hard-boiled egg. Fruit should be fed sparingly and infrequently because of the fructose content. Regular addition of minerals and vitamins as well as cuttlebone is important. Clean drinking water (drunk through the nose) must always be available.

A varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

Males have a concave ventral carapace (plastron) and a much longer tail

Mating occurs year-round, but cooler months are preferred. Egg laying occurs 2-3 times a year. The female buries her eggs, a maximum of 18 per clutch, about 30 cm deep, in a sandy southeast-facing spot. The incubation period is about 150-250 days at 29-31° C. Life expectancy can be over 70 years.

Species protection

The animal population must be reported in writing to the competent authority immediately after the start of keeping. Subsequently, all arrivals and departures must be reported.

Protection of species: WA Annex II; EU Annex B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe! Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Important

For thermoregulation, they require adequate shelter (e.g., burrows). In their large range, there are populations that vary considerably in size. Animals from the north are active year-round and do not hibernate in the conventional sense, but often take periods of rest during the summer. Animals from the south, on the other hand, require hibernation. Free-range housing is advised during the summer months, and a heated retreat must be available.

The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and meet the species-specific needs. Measuring devices such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc. are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Christian Sänger; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1997): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Reptilien; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF