11 Facts You Should Know About Leopard Tortoise

                           Kingdom : Animalia
                                  Class : Reptilia
                               Family : Testudinidae
                Scientific Name : Geochelone 
                                               Pardalis

                               Size(L) : 40cm - 70cm 
                                               (16in - 28in)
                               Weight : 18kg - 54kg 
                                              (40lbs - 120lbs)
                         Top Speed : 0.5km/h 
                                             (0.3mph)

                          Life Span : 50 - 100 years
                               Colour : Black, Brown, 
                                               Tan, Yellow,
                                               Grey
                          Skin Type : Scales 
         Distinctive Features : Large body size 
                                              and protective, 
                                              patterned shell

1. The leopard tortoise is a large species of tortoise found in Africa.
2. They get their name from their distinctively patterned protective shell.
3. They are the fourth largest species of tortoise growing to an average length of around 70cm.
4. They are also one of the most widely distributed species of tortoise in Africa.
5. They inhabit the semi-arid grasslands and shrublands of Southern Africa.
6. The large shell of the leopard tortoise protects the softer body parts as the tortoise retracts them into the shell.
7. They are solitary animals and are known to have a long life span.
8. They are herbivores feeding on grass, leaves, flowers, berries and fruits.
9. Their natural predators are the wild cats and wild dogs along with humans.
10. They are known to start reproducing after the first 10 years of their lives.
11. The female leopard tortoise lays around 18 eggs in a burrow and covers them with sand or mud.