Leopard tortoise (Geochelone Pardalis) Leopard tortoises are the fourth largest tortoises in the world and the second largest on Mainland Africa. They can reach carapace sizes of over two feet in length and weigh over 100 pounds. Most specimens usually only reach carapace lengths of 15 - 18 inches and weigh 30 - 50 pounds. In this species males may attain a greater size than females, a characteristic shared with certain other members of the genus Geochelone, including Galapagos tortoises. This tortoise is not listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species but is listed on CITES: Appendix II. Temperature: Leopard tortoises require daytime temperatures of 70° - 90° F. Nighttime temperatures should be 70° - 75° F and should not drop below 60° F. Leopard tortoises should not be hibernated. Heating When possible leopard tortoises do best in outdoor enclosures where they can take advantage of natural UVB light and heat from the sun dog house or shed with a heat source for cooler days will do. During colder months an indoor enclosure with heat and UVB light will be needed . Newer mercury vapor bulbs can provide both heat and UVB light in a single bulb. Fluorescent UVB bulbs can also be used for light. Additional heat can be provided with ceramic emitters, daytime basking bulbs, infrared heat bulbs and even tube- heaters can be used. Feeding Leopard tortoises require a high fiber diet and should consist of 70% - 75% of grasses and hay. Use a variety of hays (timothy, alfalfa, orchard grass, etc.) to provide variety. Large amounts of lettuce's and fruits should not be provided, though occasional small amounts are OK. Sliced cucumber, thinly sliced carrot, sliced butternut/pumpkin, sliced tomato, lettuce/cabbage (VERY small quantities), red and green sweet peppers, sliced corrugates (zucchini). This food should be offered in the early morning, and any uneaten food removed by lunchtime. A good vitamin/mineral supplement should be added to the food once a week. The odd bone and whole cuttlefish left lying in the enclosure will be chewed on, this helps keep their beak trim and provides some extra calcium. Avoid feeding fruit to leopard tortoises as this raises lactic acid levels in the gut and can increase the chance of internal parasites, colic and loose droppings. Meat and other high protein items should be avoided as they lead to excessive growth and long-term health issues. Due to their prodigious rate of growth, their demand for calcium and mineral trace elements is high and a Calcium and vitamin D3 supplement should be provided on a regular basis Leopard tortoises will graze happily on lawn grass if presented with the opportunity