The Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) although not often thought of as such, is a member of the turtle family of reptiles found across eastern and southern Africa. Partly for shade and partly for survival, leopard tortoises have adapted the ability of digging burrows and tunnels underground to which they can scurry away to if it gets too hot or if they feel threatened, but they will also consider abandoned dens of other species such as bat-eared fox or jackal if available. This is only a little fella, but fully grown, they can easily reach 30 – 40cm in length and around 12kg in weight and with a little luck, they can live to be 100 years old or more. This longevity, along with their uniquely patterned shell, is what makes them attractive to poachers. Easy to lift whilst still young like this, when captured they are sold to the pet, ornamental and food trades of the middle and far east. Smugglers have regularly been caught at Tanzania airports (as well as others) smuggling live tortoises and other small reptiles, including snakes in their carry-on baggage!
