The leopard tortoise is the fourth-largest species of tortoise in the world, being attractively marked and it can be found in the savannas of eastern and southern Africa, from Sudan to the southern Cape Province. With a lengthy lifespan (up to 100 years!), these tortoises are part of the Small 5 (along with the rhino beetle, the red-billed buffalo weaver, the elephant shrew and the antlion).

All tortoises in the Western Cape are a protected species.

Good intentions sometimes lead to bad outcomes. Taking the small tortoise in the road and taking it home to protect it, removes its’ genetic diversity from the wild.