Larry
The beautifully contrasting black and yellow colors of the carapace make this a highly attractive tortoise, but beware, this same beautiful pattern can also make it nearly invisible in terrain approximating its home regions of African savannah. It grows to quite a respectable size, with adults reaching 16 - 18 inches and 40 pounds.
Leopard tortoises have a huge range, being found on the savannahs of Africa from the Sudan South to the Cape Province of South Africa.
Temperature
Daytime temperatures during much of the year should range from 85-105 F (29-40 C) during the day. At night, temperatures can drop into the 70s F (21-26 C) in their enclosure. They must be dry. Provisions must be made to house them indoors during rainy weather and in places where the nights are cold and/or damp.
Housing
Given the tremendous amount of room these tortoises need to roam, maintaining them inside year round is not advised. Temporary indoor housing, as for hatchlings (see section on hatchlings below), sick individuals or during inclement weather, can be set up. Such indoor housing must include both basking and cooler retreat areas, and a den box in which to burrow. An area for feeding and a shallow water dish must also be provided. Ultraviolet B lighting must be provided as well as suitable temperature ranges during both the day (80 F (27 C) with a basking area (100 F (39C)) and night (72 F (22 C)).
Bedding
A mixture of soil and sand for burrowing with areas of sunshine and shade should be provided.
Food
A high fiber, low protein and calcium rich diet will ensure good digestive tract function and smooth growth. Geochelone pardalis fed on cat or dog foods frequently die from renal failure or from impacted bladder stones of solidified urates. Avoid over reliance upon 'supermarket' greens and fruits, which typically contain inadequate fiber levels, excessive pesticide residues and are too rich in sugar and should be avoided. Leopard tortoises are a grazing species; every effort should be made to duplicate this diet in captivity. Fruit should be offered very rarely or not at all
Cleaning and Handling
Because Leopards are such voracious eaters, they produce a large amount of waste. Leopards will regularly eat their own and other animal feces; fecal samples should regularly be checked by a veterinarian to be sure they are free from bacterial, protozoan, and worm infestations. Daily cleaning of the yard is required to keep it sanitary.
