Does anyone have one at high elevation?

[Mbentley8]

Hello. Please help me. I have an African leopard tortoise. I want to discuss elevation changes. We live about 50' above sea level and are going to move to about 8000'

I know about the cold and will have her a greenhouse heated with a humidifier. But is the elevation an issue?

 

[Mbentley8]

African leopard tortoise, i thought i posted on that thread. She is 17 yo big enough to live outdoors. She currently has the entire back yard. Will have plenty of space to roam. Also worried about drier climate. But will have a humidifier. Currently in Houston and plenty humid there

 

[COmtnLady]

We will need to wait until someone who knows Leopards answers, but I live at 8500 ft with a Red Foot. RF are a tropical species, so mine only goes outside when its exceptionally hot here (it seldom gets to 80F, so even on a hot day its usually only 70s, and nights are far too cold for a RF - its 51F now about 12:50am). And it has to be pouring down rain (seldom happens) for our humidity to get above 50%.

Where are you moving to? Perhaps we have a member or two with first-hand experience in that area.


@Tom
@Yvonne G

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Maybe @wellington can comment on this?

 

[wellington]

I have no idea about elevation and tortoises. My guess would be it would affect them similar to humans but like humans would adjust
The members already tagged, Tom and Yvonne might be able to help. @Markw84 may be another.

 

[EppsDynasty]

I regularly travel from the desert (seal level) over a pass (5000 ft.) then back down to 3500 ft all within 20 miles ..... o and we do it with torts, lots. I've always wondered this issue but have seen no signs of anything happening.

 

[Mbentley8]

We will need to wait until someone who knows Leopards answers, but I live at 8500 ft with a Red Foot. RF are a tropical species, so mine only goes outside when its exceptionally hot here (it seldom gets to 80F, so even on a hot day its usually only 70s, and nights are far too cold for a RF - its 51F now about 12:50am). And it has to be pouring down rain (seldom happens) for our humidity to get above 50%.

Where are you moving to? Perhaps we have a member or two with first-hand experience in that area.


@Tom
@Yvonne G

Moving to Colorado high desert. That is good to know on the RF.

 

[mark1]

the IUCN says this, i'd guess they're a reputable source of information......... 2,900m translates to over 9000ft......

Stigmochelys pardalis, Leopard Tortoise Assessment
by: Baker, P.J., Kabigumila, J., Leuteritz, T., Hofmeyr, M. & Ngwava, J.M

"Habitat varies greatly over this species' large range, and Leopard Tortoises utilize the most habitat types of any sub-Saharan species (Branch, 2008). Habitats include karroid fynbos in the south to mesic thicket, arid and mesic savanna, thorn scrub, and grassland as you move northeastward in the range. Leopard Tortoises can be found from sea-level to about 2,900 m altitude (Hailey and Coulson 1995, Mason et al.2000, Malonza et al. 2006, Branch, 2008)."