When a leopard tortoise spotted an intruder, it immediately went on the offensive. As this footage shows, they can be quite feisty when they want to.
Henco Roelofse submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it near Pretoriuskop Rest Camp, in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Watch the video here:
Slow dining
As Henco’s video begins, we see one of Nature’s slowest-moving animals. A leopard tortoise is seen feeding on the greenery it finds as it ambles along.
These attractively marked reptiles are found across eastern and southern Africa. Feeding mainly on grass, they are found in both woodland and savanna habitats.
Sudden stop
Subsequently, as the tortoise moves on, it suddenly stops in its tracks. For a few moments, it stares intently.
But what has it seen? Is it a predator, a luscious flush of grass shoots, or something else entirely?
Quick march
Moments later, the tortoise is on the move again. Only now, it has picked up its pace considerably.
Although it is hardly fast, it is clearly in a rush to get to whatever it has seen. Since it is running towards the unknown object, it is safe to assume it is not a predator.
Rival or mate?
As we follow the tortoise’s progress, a second, smaller tortoise comes into view. It is a younger specimen, its carapace markings much more distinct than those of the first animal.
For the most part, tortoises are tolerant of one another, so there must be a reason for this feisty behaviour. The most likely explanation is that it is mating season.
Occurring during the summer months (September to April), it sees heightened aggression between males, while males pursue females relentlessly.
Male rival
Subsequently, we don’t have to wait long to determine that the new arrival is a male. We know this because the first male immediately attacks it with a headbutt.
In response, the smaller tortoise retracts its head and legs. As it does, the larger male pushes it up the slope behind it.
In the process, the aggressor gets under its rival’s shell, lifting the smaller animal off its feet. Then gravity takes over, and the smaller animal ends up on its back.
Consequently, with its legs scrambling in the air, the newcomer is in serious trouble. If it cannot get back onto its feet, it will suffer a long, painful death.
Unexpected help
Subsequently, it gets help from an unexpected source. Still intent on driving off its rival, the large reptile butts the other again.
As a result, the smaller tortoise rolls again, this time landing precariously balanced on its side. However, fearing another attack, it keeps its legs withdrawn.
Moments later, the larger tortoise pushes it again. This time it lands the right way up. However, the larger animal is not done yet.
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Now or never
Safely back on its feet, the smaller tortoise realises this is its opportunity to escape. So out pops its head and legs and off it goes.
It is comical to watch the ensuing low-speed pursuit…
Is it over yet?
After “running” a few metres, the pursued tortoise stops. However, the other one is not in a forgiving mood and once again bashes into it.
Thankfully, however, the level ground makes it harder to flip him over. Even so, his expression suggests that he is not enjoying the experience overall.
Consequently, he takes off once again. Only to be chased by the other…
As the video concludes, the pair disappears into the long grass. We can only hope he got away.
