Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) Care

Species Overview

Common Name: Leopard Tortoise
Adult Size:~16 inches, ~30 lbs
Lifespan:50–75+ years

The Leopard Tortoise is a large, striking, grazing tortoise native to the savannas of eastern and southern Africa. They are active, hardy animals with beautiful, spotted shells — but they grow quickly and require substantial space, proper diet, and heated outdoor housing.

Housing & Enclosure

Indoor Housing (For Hatchlings & Juveniles)

• Temporary housing: Tortoise table or Waterland tub

• Substrate: Cypress mulch or coconut husk chip

• Avoid: Gravel, sand, cedar, pine, or aspen shavings

Indoor housing is only appropriate for short-term — leopard tortoises grow quickly and should eventually be kept outdoors when climate permits.

Outdoor Housing

• Space: Large, secure yard or pen

• Burrowing: They may dig under fences, so make enclosures escape-proof

• Landscaping: Expect damage to plants and patio furniture — these tortoises are strong and can be destructive

• Protection: Provide predator protection for smaller tortoises (<60 lbs)

Note: Males are territorial and should not be housed together. Aggressive males may even ram females, other pets, or people.

Leopard tortoises do not hibernate and must be provided with a heated shelter during cold weather. Click here for instructions on building a heated tortoise shelter.

Temperature & Heating

• Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone (POTZ):85–95°F

• Indoor Gradient:

  • Warm side: 85–90°F

  • Cool side: ≥70°F

• Night drop: Allow to cool into the 70s to help prevent shell pyramiding

Always monitor temperatures with a digital thermometer or infrared gun. Use thermostats for safety. Avoid heat rocks (burn hazard).

Lighting

Leopard tortoises need UVB lighting for healthy shell and bone development.

• Use reptile-specific fluorescent UVB tubes (10.0 recommended) or mercury vapor bulbs

• Place UVB bulbs within 12 inches of the basking site

• Replace bulbs every 6–12 months — they stop producing UVB long before they stop producing visible light

• Provide a natural day/night cycle (12–14 hours of light daily) with a timer

Diet & Nutrition

Daily Staple Diet

• Grasses and grass hays (Bermuda, timothy, orchard grass)

• Shrubs, weeds, forbs, alfalfa

Occasional Foods

Dark leafy greens, prickly pear pads and fruits, squash varieties, bell peppers, carrots, dandelion greens, and small amounts of fruits such as melons, berries, and apples

Rarely Feed

Broccoli, cauliflower, bananas, brussels sprouts, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, parsley, and other high-sugar or high-oxalate foods — use sparingly

Never Feed

Meat, insects, dog/cat food, dairy, bread, iceberg lettuce, mushrooms, onions, garlic, spinach, or processed foods

Juveniles (<2 years): Offer softened Mazuri LS Tortoise Diet pellets 2–3 times per week for protein and carbohydrate support

Hydration & Soaking

• Provide fresh water daily

• Soak tortoises in shallow warm water for 15 minutes, 2–3 times weekly, to encourage drinking, urination, and defecation

Calcium Supplementation:

Indoor tortoises should have food dusted with calcium carbonate powder twice weekly

Enrichment & Accessories

• Indoors: Provide multiple hides, including a “humid hide” with moist sphagnum moss for shell health

• Outdoors: Build a secure, insulated burrow or provide natural shelters; plant edible shrubs for foraging

Cleaning & Disinfection

• Remove droppings daily

• Disinfect food and water bowls weekly

• Deep-clean the enclosure every 1–2 months with Rescue disinfectant or dilute bleach (1 tbsp per 1 cup water). Rinse thoroughly and air dry before returning your tortoise

Key Considerations

• Leopard tortoises grow large and need ample outdoor space

• They do not hibernate — they need heated shelters during cold months

• Males should be housed separately to prevent fighting

• Consistent diet, UVB exposure, and temperature control are key to preventing shell deformities like pyramiding

📞 Call us:480-530-0370
🌐 Learn more:www.treeoflifeexotics.vet

Tree of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center can help you set up proper housing, diet, and preventive care for your leopard tortoise to keep them healthy for decades to come.