Male P. Padalis Leopard Tortoise

It is the only extant member of the genus Stigmochelys, although, in the past, it was commonly placed in Geochelone. This tortoise is a grazing species that favors semiarid, thorny grassland habitats. In both very hot and very cold weather, it may dwell in abandoned fox, jackal, or aardvark holes. The leopard tortoise does not dig other than to make nests in which to lay eggs. Given its propensity for grassland habitats, it grazes extensively upon mixed grasses. It also favors succulents and thistles.