Stigmochelys pardalis

The Leopard Tortoise averages about 2 feet long and weighs about 70 pounds, but there is a wide range of sizes. It has a highly domed carapace without a definite margin. The coloration is usually a tawny yellow or buff. Younger specimens have an unbroken black line around each scute. Older specimens have black spots or sometimes very dense broken radiations. Marking vary with the latitude and elevation; those above 6,000 feet are larger and have more distinct markings than those below 4,000 feet. The large forelegs are covered with horny plates.