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Leopard tortoise
Stigmochelys pardalis
-33.4397, 25.9675
Field Notes
Description:
The leopard tortoise is the fourth largest species of tortoise in the world, with typical adults reaching 18-inch and weighing 40-pounds. Large examples may be 28 in long and weigh up to 120-pounds. An adult's maximum shell length can reach a 24-inch diameter.
It is a large and attractively marked tortoise. The carapace is high and domed, and pyramid shaped scutes are not uncommon. The skin and background color is cream to yellow, and the carapace is marked with black blotches, spots or even dashes or stripes. Each individual is marked uniquely.
Notes:
This guy was very dusty so it's marking don't look as dramatic as they should. These tortoises are very common in Eastern Cape but sadly most of the ones we saw were dead on the road.
Reference Links:
Leopard tortoise
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedAugust 19, 2011
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