Swimming Leopard Tortoise
Category: Nature
Photo and caption by Christian Goltz
The Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) is the most common species of tortoise in Namibia. It is also the largest, with up to 50 cm length and 20 kg weight. It is especially active during the rainy season when it sometimes encounters water holes and small temporary lakes. Although adapted to semi-arid conditions, it is a very efficient and avid swimmer - I was very surprised when I encountered this scene!
Location: Erongo Mountains, Karibib, Namibia
