• subspecies Geochelone / Stigmochelys pardalis pardalis and Geochelone / Stigmochelys pardalis babcocki have been merged into one species Stigmochelys pardalis
• for a listing of current species / subspecies, see the IUCN/SSC Turtles of the World Checklist [offsite]
• from Africa
• natural habitats include hot dry scrublands, semi-arid savannahs, and grasslands
• the 4th largest tortoise in the world
• generally up to 16"-18" and up to 40 pounds, but a few may grow up to 24" and 80 lbs
• a gentle, shy tortoise, but will warm up to his caretaker over time
• requires a serious committement, may live 50-80 years and needs extensive indoor and outdoor accommodations to graze and exercise
• ideal tortoise if you live in a warm and dry climate (e.g. Arizona, California) and have a big yard
• herbivorous (feeds on plants)
• does not hibernate

Sulcata and Leopard Tortoises

• by E. J. Pirog
• TFH Publications, 2008
• colorful inexpensive book, covers all aspects of care
• great for new Leopard owners
• ISBN-10: 0793828988
• ISBN-13: 978-0793828982
• often also available on eBay (direct link to book)

Leopard Tortoise: The Natural History, Captive Care, and Breeding of Stigmochelys pardalis

• Turtles of the World, Testudinidae, Number 4
• by Richard Fife, Jerry D Fife
• TTPG / Serpent's Tale NHBD, 2006
• ISBN-10: 0963813064
• ISBN-13: 978-0963813060

Leopard and African Spurred Tortoise: Stigmochelys pardalis and Centrochelys sulcata

• Chelonian Library, Volume 1
• by Holger Vetter
• Edition Chimaira, Dec 2005
• ISBN-10: 389973601X
• ISBN-13: 978-3899736014

Web sites

• African Tortoise - Leopards and Sulcatas, by Joe Heinen
• Keeping Leopards in the UK - by Lisa McIntyre
• Tortoise Trust - Leopard care sheet
• Tortoise Trust - Care and Maintenance of the Leopard Tortoise, by Highfield & Martin
• TPG - Leopard care sheet, by Tortoise Protection Group
• World Chelonian Trust - Leopard care sheet, by Darrel Senneke
• World Chelonian Trust - Geochelone pardalis Care, by Misty Corton

Discussion

• Tortoise Forum - Leopard discussion forum
• Tortoise Forum - bb post w. photos, differentiating Leopard tortoise subspecies Geochelone (Stigmochelys) pardalis pardalis and G. pardalis babcocki as babies
• Yahoo Groups - African Tortoise, Leopards & Sulcatas