Abraham, Andrew J.Louw, Mattheus L.H.Van Dijk, Laurene M.Webster, Andrea B.2024-07-302024-07-302024-09Abraham, A.J., Louw, M.L.H., Van Dijk, L.M., & Webster, A.B. (2024). Consumption of hyaena faeces and artificial mineral licks by leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) in a low-nutrient environment. African Journal of Ecology, 62, e13308. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.13308.0141-6707 (print)1365-2028 (online)10.1111/aje.13308http://hdl.handle.net/2263/97324DATA AVAILABITY STATEMENT: Select videos captured during fieldwork are available to watch at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxktyA1W6MQ.Hyaena faeces and mineral licks represent highly concentrated nutrient resources for leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) living in nutrient-poor environments. Here, we provide direct evidence for the consumption of hyaena faeces and artificial mineral licks by leopard tortoises in the Kalahari Desert. Tortoises aggregated at hyaena latrines and lick sites during the wet season between 10 AM and 6 PM in groups of 1–5 individuals. Where both salt and mineral licks were available, tortoises displayed a preference for salt. We suggest that calcium, phosphorus and sodium deficits are likely driving coprophagy and geophagy behaviours by tortoises in the Kalahari.en© 2024 The Author(s). African Journal of Ecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.KalahariMineral lickNutritionTortoiseLeopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis)Hyaena faecesArtificial mineral licksSDG-02: Zero hungerSDG-15: Life on landArticle