The methods for distinguishing male and female tortoises are as follows:

1. Males have a concave central plastron and a long and sturdy tail. The female Karoo Cape tortoise has a flat central plastron with no depression and a short tail.

2. Body size of male Karoo Cape tortoises Longer and narrower, female Karoo Cape tortoises are more rounded.

3. Male Karoo Cape tortoises have thicker and longer tails, while female Karoo Cape tortoises are fat and short.

4. The cloaca of male Cape Karoo tortoises is farther from the anal shield, while that of females is closer.