Solid advice based on us being mostly the slowest species in the bush and we frequently remind guests of this here at Sausage Tree Safari Camp.
However there are always exceptions and our old friend, the Leopard Tortoise is of course one of them.
We still have not received any substantial rains other than some prolonged drizzle which is enough to bring the leopard tortoise back out of its winter hibernation.
It is the most common common tortoise in the Greater Kruger Lowveld area and is the largest reaching a maximum of 700mm and 40kg and can live up to 75 years.
It is the only South African species of tortoise that is able to swim thanks to a V notch in the shell area above its neck which allows it to keep its head above water.
Why “Leopard” Tortoise ? They have no teeth and enjoy a vegetarian diet so its all about the leopard like colouring of their carapace.
You can distinguish between the sexes by the longer tail of the male and its concave underside plastron , a design for ease of mating.
The sex of tortoise hatchlings is determined by the incubation temperature in their chamber under loose sand and vegetation. 26 to 30degs C means males , 31 times 34 degs C means females. As your Sausage Tree guides will tell you in their relentless pursuit of assailing our guests with fun filled facts, this is easily remembered as … cool dudes , hot chicks,
You might witness a Leopard Tortoise snacking on hyena scat (poo to you and me ) . It might be taste driven but more likely its for calcium absorption for she’ll maintenance.
Running away from predators is not an option and they are vulnerable to Leopards , hyena, rock monitors and ground hornbills.
Unfortunately locally tortoise meat is considered a delicacy. This and unauthorized pet trafficking means they are currently an endangered species .
