This reptile is not, contrary to the association with its namesake, exactly renowned for its hunting ability. The leopard tortoise (geochelone pardalis) has beautiful spots on its shell and can be seen in the Western Cape and throughout Africa to as far north as Sudan and Ethiopia.

Reaching a length of up to 61 cm, it mainly feeds on plant matter, from fruit and flowers to beans. During the months of September to October, the females nest by urinating in the soil, digging a pit and laying up to 30 eggs at a time.
The males gain the favour of the females by fighting and attempting to overturn their opponent, turning the loser onto its shell, feet in the air. Because of its domed shape andheight of the shell, this flipping is seldom fatal.