From small to large: Common padloper Homopus areolatus: Tiny, approximately 10cm long with a prominent hooked beak (Parrot-beaked Tortoise). Carapace (shell) has reddish-brown centers on the scutes.


Angulate tortoise (Cherisna angulata) Rooipensie in Afrikaans: Endemic to southern coastal regions. Seldom exceed 22cm in length. Elongated shell, scutes have black centers and edges.


The mountain, or leopard (black and yellow blotched carapace), tortoise is the most widely distributed and also the biggest of the 12 species of land tortoise found in southern Africa. It is believed to take its name ‘mountain’ tortoise from its size (length 30-60cm, weight 8-20kg) rather than its habitat. They live for 75 years or longer – another reason not to take them home!


Tortoises mate in spring.  Males become increasingly aggressive in competing for the favors of a female; two rivals will butt each other until the loser is overturned.  The female lays
5-20 hard-shelled eggs in a hole she has dug.  Incubation varies from 8-14 months.
Not only are these tortoises in danger of predators such as humans and animals, but they are also transported from their natural habitat by “kind” people finding them along the road.  To transport tortoises from one area to another is illegal.  These animals will NEVER be able to return to their place of origin as they might have picked up parasites or diseases that could be transferred to local wild populations.  They could also be carriers of diseases to which our local tortoises are not immune.
While traveling, motorists are asked to be aware of tortoises along the road.  Do a kind deed, stop the vehicle and lift the tortoise over the fence in the direction it is heading.  Do not turn the tortoise upside down – they release valuable fluids stored in their bowels for times of drought.
Please DON’T SPEED in our Conservancy!

Conservancy Emergency Number:
044-698 2133