Hybrid South African Leopard Tortoise

Description

Hybrid Giant South African leopard tortoise

We do recommend the  well started hybrid giant leopard tortoise babies (available here) over the fragile fresh hatchlings for those with less experience as they’re even more active and easier to care for then the hatchling stage.

(Pardalis Pardalis) The South African Giant Leopard Tortoise, Pardalis pardalis is a rarely seen, very large growing sub species of the common Leopard Tortoise (pardalis babcocki) from the extreme southern portion of the Leopard Tortoise range into Namibia and South Africa.

The“giant”of the leopard tortoise, reaching lengths of 14-22 inches on average at 40-65lbs, Giant South African Leopard Tortoises are easily distinguished by their telltale spotting in the center of their shell, having “double or triple dots” rather than single or no dots like a standard leopard tortoise (pardalis babcocki).

Giant leopard tortoise for sale

We are seeing growth rates of 16-18″ with the hybrids, so they are definitely larger than the traditional east African leopard tortoise, but not as large as the 100% pure Giant South Africans.  They do exhibit double dots on scutes like pure Pardalis Pardalis but not always and not on every scute.

The hybrid giants are not only bigger, they are known for being are a bit more outgoing and personable than a normal leopard and also have a marbled spotted pattern on their head and body, setting them apart from the traditional sub species.  If you are looking to also get supplies of a setup, we HIGHLY recommend our complete deluxe tortoise habitat kit.