The leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) is the fourth-largest species of tortoise in the world. Adults can reach 2.5 feet in length and weigh around 30 pounds on average.
Unsurprisingly they get their name from their unique and attractive shell markings. They have a black and yellow carapace which resembles a leopard’s spots. This shell pattern also provides great camouflage in their native habitat of Africa.
These tortoises make very popular pets due to their gentle nature, although when it comes to the Leopard tortoise size, they require much more space than many other smaller species.
Growth and Size
The life stages of all tortoise species is, for the most part, determined by their size rather than age.
That said, the hatchling stage is typically classed as the time they emerge from their eggs until they are about 6-12 months old. Thereafter, their carapace length and sexual maturity determine the point at which they become juveniles, sub-adults and adults.
The exact duration of each stage can vary based on environmental conditions, diet, and overall health. In optimal conditions, they might transition to the juvenile stage closer to the 6-month mark, while in less ideal conditions, this might take closer to a year.
| Growth Stage | Ave weight | Ave shell length | Developmental features |
| Hatchling | 20-50g | 1.5-3” | Towards the end of this phase, shell pattern becomes more defined and activity levels increase. |
| Juvenile | 100g-1kg | 4-8” | Rapid growth of 1-2” per year. Sex can typically be determined when they reach about 8-10 inches in shell length (usually 3-5 years in age). |
| Sub-Adult | 1-4kg | 8-12” | Not considered sexually mature until around 10-12” shell length. This can be around 8-10 years of age. |
| Adult | 4-18kg | 12-24” | Growth rates will slow significantly once they reach maturity. In old age, metabolism and food consumption slows. |
Leopard tortoises continue to grow throughout their lives, which range from 50 to 100 years and there are numerous factors that can influence their growth and longevity.
For instance, a balanced diet that is rich in fiber and low in protein is crucial. I always recommend calcium supplements for captive tortoises. It is essential for healthy bone growth and development, especially for hatchlings and juveniles, as well as female gravid tortoises.
Regular access to clean water for drinking and soaking is needed to prevent dehydration, which can affect growth.
Habitat also plays a part in growth. They require a stress-free environment with adequate space to roam and need exposure to UVB light and warmth, which can be provided from the sun or via artificial lamps. UV is especially important for ensuring proper metabolism and shell development.
Finally, parasites can stunt growth, so I recommend taking your leopard tortoise for regular health check-ups.
As with many animals, leopard tortoises exhibit sexual dimorphism. Females tend to be larger than males, as a result of reproductive roles. Females need more body mass to produce and lay eggs.
Housing Requirements Based on Size
Obviously larger tortoises need more space than their smaller counterparts. You must bear in mind that as your leopard tortoise grows, so must the size of its habitat.
For juvenile leopard tortoises, indoor enclosures should be spacious enough to allow for growth and natural behaviors. The minimum enclosure size for a single individual is 4 feet by 2 feet of floor space for the first year.
Adult leopard tortoises require a significantly larger enclosure due to their size. The minimum enclosure size for one adult should be at least 8 feet by 4 feet of floor space.
If multiple tortoises are being housed together, the enclosure size must be increased accordingly. For each additional tortoise, you should add approximately 4 feet of length and 2 feet of width to the enclosure.
As follows:
- 2 Tortoises: 12 feet by 6 feet
- 3 Tortoises: 16 feet by 8 feet
- 4 Tortoises: 20 feet by 10 feet
These dimensions provide a rough guideline and can be adjusted based on the specific needs and behavior of the tortoises. Larger enclosures are always beneficial as they allow for more natural behaviors and reduce the risk of stress and aggression among the tortoises.
Outdoor Enclosure Recommendations
Outdoor enclosures can be the same size dimensions as I’ve recommended above for indoor enclosures, and I recommend only housing your leopard tortoise outside if the climate in your region is suitable. This means daytime temperatures ranging from 75°F to 95°F (24°C to 35°C) and night temperatures not dropping below 65°F (18°C).
If nighttime temperatures fall below this, supplemental heating or bringing the tortoises indoors may be necessary.
In addition, Leopard tortoises prefer moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 60%. Very high humidity can lead to respiratory problems, while very low humidity can cause dehydration and shell issues.
They also require exposure to 10-12 hours of natural sunlight to enable them to synthesize vitamin D3, which is necessary for calcium absorption and shell health. Ensure they have access to direct sunlight for several hours a day.
Providing them with a shaded area within the enclosure will allow your tortoise an escape from the sun and avoid overheating.
Finally, while leopard tortoises can handle occasional rain, their enclosure should be well-drained to prevent standing water, which can lead to health problems. Providing a dry shelter within the enclosure is essential.
Exercise is essential for the health and well-being of leopard tortoises and spacious, outdoor enclosures are the best for encouraging movement. Additionally, natural substrates like sand or soil encourage natural behaviors such as digging and burrowing.
I recommend providing your tortoise with enrichment to prevent them getting bored and keep them active. This can be achieved by introducing new structures into the enclosure they can explore or hiding and scattering food around to stimulate foraging behaviors.
Nutrition and Size
In terms of diet, leopard tortoises are herbivores and require plenty of fiber to aid digestion and prevent digestive issues. Additionally, calcium is essential for bone and shell growth and development. Insufficient calcium can lead to shell pyramiding and metabolic bone disease.
Leopard tortoises need only minimal protein and too much can lead to liver and kidney issues. Similarly, fat intake should be minimal as it can contribute to obesity and other health issues.
Dietary phosphorus levels should also be low as phosphorus can inhibit the absorption of calcium, preventing healthy bone development.
Juvenile leopard tortoises grow rapidly and should be fed daily. Since adults grow at a slower rate, they only require feeding every other day.
Dietary Needs
The majority of a leopard tortoises’ diet should be made up of dark leafy greens, grasses, hay and vegetation. Suitable weeds and plants include dandelions, kale, and honeysuckle. You can also offer occasional fruits and vegetables, but this should make up only 10% of their diet.
Many captive tortoises require calcium supplementation to ensure healthy bones. Calcium powder can be added to their food. Moreover, vitamin D3 is required for calcium absorption. Tortoises synthesize their own vitamin D3 through exposure to UV radiation, either through the sun or UVB lamps.
Constant access to clean water is essential for keeping your tortoise hydrated. Provide your tortoise with a shallow dish of water from which they can drink and soak. Tortoises obtain most of their moisture by absorbing water through their skin. I encourage bathing your leopard tortoise weekly.
Tips for Managing a Healthy Size
Maintaining optimal health and avoiding size-related issues in your leopard tortoise requires a combination of dietary, habitat and overall care management. Below are some of my top tips for managing a healthy size:
- Provide a diet that is high in fiber and calcium and low in protein, fat and phosphorus.
- Ensure their enclosure is large enough for adequate exercise.
- Provide enrichment to encourage natural behaviors.
- Maintain the correct environmental temperatures, humidity and UVB exposure.
- Offer shallow water dishes to keep them hydrated.
- Minimize stress by providing a safe enclosure and reducing handling.
- Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor overall health.
Common Nutritional Issues
Poor diet can lead to numerous health issues. The most common of which is Metabolic bone disease (MBD) which is caused by insufficient calcium levels and is characterized by a soft or deformed shell.
Obesity is another issue caused by a high-calorie, high-fat diet and lack of exercise.
This can be easily prevented by feeding your adult tortoise every other day with a fiber-rich diet that consists of 90% leafy greens, grass and hay.
In addition, they need activities within their enclosure that encourage them to roam around. This can include placing rocks and hollowed out logs in and around the enclosure and hiding food.
Insufficient water intake can lead to dehydration, leading to lethargy and dry skin. Make sure water is refreshed daily and you bathe your tortoise twice per week in lukewarm water.
Kidney disease can be caused by excess protein in the diet so avoid offering protein sources in their diet.
Citations
Animalia Bio – Leopard tortoise
Royal Veterinary Collage – Leopard Tortoise Diet
Britich Chelonia Group – Leopard Tortoise Housing
