Least Concern Reptiles

Leopard Tortoise

Stigmochelys pardalis

Leopard Tortoise has spotted shell and grazes in African savannas and semi-arid areas.

Scientific name	Stigmochelys pardalis
Swahili name	Kobe
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Reptilia
Order	Testudines
Family	Testudinidae
Size	Male: body length up to 40-50 cm, weight approximately 7-10 kg; female: slightly larger body length, similar or slightly heavier weight

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How to identify

Carapace with distinctive leopard-like spots and patterns; carapace is high and domed; head and limbs have prominent spots; body color mainly yellowish-brown with clearly defined black markings; edges of the carapace relatively smooth

Habitat

Open woodland savanna, shrubland, grasslands, and semi-arid areas

Diet

Herbivorous, primarily feeding on various herbaceous plants, wild fruits, flowers, and succulent plants

When it is active

Diurnal, active during the day, more active at dawn and dusk

Where it lives

Mainly distributed in eastern and southern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa; commonly found in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve

How to spot it

Easier to spot during the dry season when grass is sparse; remain quiet to avoid disturbance; morning or evening light is best for photographing shell details

Photography tips

Use natural light to highlight the leopard pattern on the shell; shoot from low angles to emphasize body shape and shell curves; capture feeding and movement behaviors

Threats

Habitat loss and fragmentation; human capture for the pet trade; road traffic threats

Similar species

Similar to the African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata), which is larger with prominent spiny projections; leopard tortoise has finer patterning with evenly distributed spots

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