I got my tortoise from a pet shop so is almost certainly wild caught

[Steven1989]

The fact that my leopard tortoise is almost certainly wild caught does this mean he/she will have health issues ect?

 

[Yvonne G]

I doubt your leopard tortoise is wild caught. There has been a ban on importing them for quite a while. It is most likely captive bred, but it still may have health issues. They tend to be raised very dry, when in reality, they should be raised in a humid environment.

 

[Steven1989]

Thank you for quick reply I must add I live in the UK

 

[Yvonne G]

This is from Defra's site:

Leopard Tortoises are imported in the hundreds every year to
Britain, and the majority are sourced from the wild. These
tortoises grow up to 60 cm in length and can weigh up to 40 kg.
They originate in eastern and southern Africa. There is an import
ban on wild Leopard Tortoises from the Central African Republic,
Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia. Prices start from £125

So I guess it is quite possible that your leopard tortoise is wild caught. But I really doubt you have to worry about any health issues. Just have him checked for parasites, set him up properly, feed him right and you should be ok.

 

[Tom]

There is a greater likelihood of health issues with a WC, but certainly no guarantee of it. Be sure exercise strict quarantine procedures with any WC tortoise.

 

[Steven1989]

Thanks for all your help guys really appreciate it will get a stool sample from my baby leopard

 

[Yvonne G]

Wait.... It's a baby? "They" don't normally capture babies from the wild. If your tortoise is a baby it's more than likely to be captive bred.

 

[Tom]

Wait.... It's a baby? "They" don't normally capture babies from the wild. If your tortoise is a baby it's more than likely to be captive bred.

I agree.

Steven, Perhaps you could ask the shop if they know the origin of your tortoise. This might also give some insight into the prior care it has received.

 

[FLINTUS]

V.unlikely to be a WC leopard in a UK pet shop. While some are still imported, they are mainly older, locality specific ones such as Ethiopian

 

[Steven1989]

Thanks for help guys