The shell grows by adding keratin at the margins of each scute, so the pattern laid down early is progressively surrounded by newer, less strongly marked material. Weathering, abrasion against vegetation and accumulated wear from decades of movement flatten the contrast further. Age can therefore be guessed roughly, though not measured, from how legible the markings still are.
The species also lacks a nuchal scute, the small plate that sits over the neck in most tortoises. Its absence leaves the neck freer, and the leopard tortoise is noted for being able to lift its head well clear when browsing.
A claim repeated in many popular accounts is that the leopard tortoise is the only tortoise able to swim. Reports of individuals crossing water exist, but the exclusivity is unverified, and heavy-shelled tortoises generally drown in deep water.