The leopard tortoise is a large species of tortoise found throughout the African savannas. It is a generally solitary animal that spends the majority of its time grazing on plants. They are called leopard tortoise due to the leopard-like spots on the shell. The markings on the shell and skin are unique to every individual.
The tortoises protect themselves by retracting their feet and head into the shell as they make a hissing sound.
They reach sexual maturity after 10 years. The female lays eggs in clutches of 18 and buries them in the ground for incubation. The incubation period depends on the temperature rather than genetics.
Their life span is from 50 to 100 years.
