Broad-edged tortoise: husbandry, profile and food
The Marginated Tortoise belongs to the genus Testudo (Mediterranean tortoises). Within this genus, it is the largest representative, reaching a shell length of up to 40 centimeters.
The Marginated Tortoise mainly inhabits the southern regions of Greece and Albania in the wild. Additionally, there are also isolated populations on the Italian mainland and Sardinia, which are believed to be introduced by humans.
Apart from that, the Marginated Tortoise is a popular pet and generally easy to care for.
Marginated Tortoise Profile:
- Scientific Name: Testudo marginata
- Size: Shell length up to 40 cm
- Weight: Up to 8 kg
- Age: 60 years and older
- Distribution: Southern Greece, Albania, Sardinia
- Habitat: Dry, rocky areas up to 1,600 meters altitude
- Housing: Outdoor enclosure with a cold frame
- Diet: Herbivorous (e.g., wild herbs and hay)
- Behavior: Diurnal
- Hibernation: Yes
Appearance of the Marginated Tortoise
As the largest representative of Mediterranean tortoises, wild Marginated Tortoises can reach a shell length of up to 34 centimeters. Individuals kept in captivity can even reach a length of around 40 centimeters. The weight of the Marginated Tortoise can range from five to eight kilograms.
Unlike other members of its genus, male Marginated Tortoises are significantly larger than females.
Marginated Tortoises have a noticeably elongated shell, which exhibits a distinct waist in the middle and rear scutes that are particularly pronounced and sometimes slightly curved. This characteristic appearance, which gives the Marginated Tortoise its name, is particularly pronounced in males.
The dorsal shell, marked with light spots, has a black base color, while the ventral shell is yellow and features triangular dark spots arranged in pairs.
In young individuals, the shell lacks a waist, and the rear scutes are not yet developed. Additionally, the shell of young Marginated Tortoises is noticeably lighter in color.
Habitat of the Marginated Tortoise
The natural habitat of the Marginated Tortoise extends across southern Greece and the adjacent regions of Albania. It has also been established on Sardinia and in some other regions of Italy, most likely through human introduction.
In the wild, Marginated Tortoises predominantly prefer dry and rocky habitats, occurring at altitudes of up to approximately 1,600 meters. As solitary animals, they inhabit a fixed territory with an approximate size of one to two hectares.
Housing the Marginated Tortoise
The Marginated Tortoise is a relatively uncomplicated pet. However, it is important to provide an outdoor enclosure for them as they are not suitable for indoor terrariums.
Instead, they should be housed in a greenhouse or cold frame equipped with heat lamps to ensure an adequately high ambient temperature.
To ensure the well-being of Marginated Tortoises, the outdoor enclosure for an adult individual should be at least ten square meters in size.
The enclosure should resemble their natural habitat as closely as possible, providing ample sunlight, suitable shelters, and including elements such as rocks and some shrubs.
When housing young Marginated Tortoises, it is important to consider that they require a slightly more humid environment.
To prevent unwanted mating, Marginated Tortoises should not be kept in the same enclosure with Greek or Hermann's Tortoises.
Diet of the Breitrandschildkröte
The Breitrandschildkröte is a herbivore that primarily feeds on meadow flowers and wild herbs in its natural habitat. Accordingly, its diet consists mainly of fiber-rich and low-protein food.
As food for the Breitrandschildkröte, plants such as ribwort plantain, dandelion, marigold, nettles, and bird's-foot trefoil are suitable. Apart from that, a portion of their diet can also include hay.
A species-appropriate diet is crucial for the health and well-being of the Breitrandschildkröte. Therefore, it is recommended to cultivate suitable food like wild herbs. These can also be planted directly in the animals' enclosure, allowing the turtles to feed on them independently.
Lifespan of the Marginated Tortoise
Marginated Tortoises can reach an age of around 100 years. Although this is not the norm, a lifespan of 60 years or more is not uncommon for this species in captivity. Wild individuals typically have a shorter lifespan than their captive counterparts.
Does the Marginated Tortoise Hibernate?
Burmese star tortoises are among the species that require hibernation during the cold months of the year. Unlike the Greek tortoise, it may occur in their natural habitat that they temporarily become active on warm days and then resume their hibernation.
It is important not to skip hibernation for the well-being of Marginated Tortoises. Continuous hibernation poses no problem for them.
Breeding and Reproduction of the Marginated Tortoise
The breeding season for Marginated Tortoises begins after hibernation. One indication of this is the males starting to chase and court females actively.
During mating, the male opens his mouth and emits loud calls, while the female remains calm and only raises her head sideways to observe the male's open mouth.
After finding a suitable spot for egg-laying, the female Marginated Tortoise digs a hole using her hind legs and deposits her eggs. If the soil is too hard for digging, she moistens it by releasing water from her cloaca. After laying the eggs, the hole is thoroughly sealed.
A clutch can consist of up to 15 eggs, and large females can lay eggs up to three times in a summer. The incubation period in the wild is approximately 100 days. When breeding Marginated Tortoises in an incubator, maintaining a constant temperature of 31.5 degrees Celsius shortens the incubation period to around 60 days.
Buying Marginated Tortoises
If you are considering buying a Marginated Tortoise, it is important to approach a reputable breeder. Additionally, you should ensure that you can provide appropriate housing conditions for the tortoise.
Also, be aware that this species is listed in Appendix A of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations. Keeping Marginated Tortoises requires registration, and you must comply with the necessary legal requirements when owning one.
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