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Geochelone pardalis
This is a big tortoise. Average size is between 30-45cm but they can grow to 72cm. Weight 15-20kg but big ones can weigh as much as 40kg. The carapace is domed and not hinged. The carapace of hatchlings is yellow and becomes darker with age until it is dark grey-brown.
Varied; not restricted to montane grassland, also occuring in fynbos, valley bushveld, and arid and mesic savannah.
This tortoise appeared in my garden. I put it in a fenced-off area to show it to my grandchildren but it was gone the following morning. It just pushed everything to one side to get out. They are extremely strong. This one was 36cm long
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