Greek tortoise: husbandry, profile and food
The Greek Tortoise, also known as the Hermann's Tortoise, is among the turtle species that are particularly popular as pets. In the following, you will learn what you need to consider when keeping Greek Tortoises as pets and what is the right diet for them.
Greek Tortoise Profile
- Scientific Name: Testudo hermanni boettgeri, Testudo hermanni hermanni
- Size: Shell length up to 30 cm
- Weight: Up to 3 kg
- Age: 50 years and older
- Distribution: European Mediterranean region
- Habitat: Including forested areas, olive groves, gardens, and farmland
- Keeping: Outdoor enclosure with a sheltered area
- Diet: Herbivorous
- Behavior: Diurnal
- Hibernation: Yes
Appearance of the Greek Tortoise
The shell of the Greek Tortoise has a length ranging from 20 to 30 centimeters. This places it among the small to medium-sized species of tortoises. It has a rigid lower shell, and its upper shell exhibits a moderately high arch.
While the lower shell of adult females is flat, it has a slight inward curve in male individuals.
The base color of the Greek Tortoise's shell is yellow to olive. Additionally, it has dark spots that can vary in appearance depending on the subspecies and individual.
Greek Tortoises can weigh up to 3 kilograms. However, most adult tortoises are lighter, with females generally being slightly heavier and larger than males.
Subspecies of the Greek Tortoise
The Greek Tortoise is divided into two subspecies: Testudo hermanni boettgeri and Testudo hermanni hermanni. Each subspecies has certain characteristic physical features.
Testudo hermanni boettgeri
Testudo hermanni boettgeri has a comparably less domed upper shell with a straw to olive-yellow base color and less contrasting black spots compared to Testudo hermanni hermanni.
The lower shell (plastron) of this subspecies usually has a horn color and is only sporadically marked with black spots. The head of Testudo hermanni boettgeri is brown to black.
Testudo hermanni hermanni
Testudo hermanni hermanni is characterized, among other things, by a higher and more domed upper shell (carapace) with a significantly brighter yellow color. This creates a particularly strong contrast in combination with symmetrical black spots.
Additionally, two black bands running along the central seam of the lower shell are characteristic features that differentiate Testudo hermanni hermanni from its relatives.
Habitat of the Greek Tortoise
Despite its name, the Greek Tortoise is found in numerous countries in the Mediterranean region. It occurs in the wild from eastern Spain through southern France, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece to the European part of Turkey.
Greek Tortoises also live on some Mediterranean islands such as Sardinia and the Balearic Islands, where they were originally introduced by humans.
Greek Tortoises inhabit relatively large territories, sometimes covering several hectares, as they roam in search of food. They populate various types of vegetation and can be found at elevations of up to around 1,500 meters, inhabiting areas such as forested regions, olive groves, gardens, and farmland.
Lifespan: How long do Greek Tortoises live?
Under favorable conditions, Greek Tortoises can live for over 100 years, significantly outliving mammals of similar body size.
However, such old individuals are rare. In the wild, the lifespan of Greek Tortoises is significantly shorter, averaging around 20 years.
When kept as pets under appropriate conditions, Greek Tortoises can live for 50 years or more.
This long-term commitment and responsibility should be carefully considered before acquiring these popular reptiles.
Keeping Greek Tortoises
When keeping Greek Tortoises, it is important to provide them with sufficient space and natural living conditions. They are not suitable for indoor terrariums as permanent housing; a terrarium may be used temporarily to separate sick individuals from healthy ones.
Instead, outdoor enclosures are recommended. The Greek Tortoise enclosure should have a sheltered area with a heated spot. The size of the enclosure depends on the age and number of tortoises. For young tortoises, an area of two to three square meters is sufficient, while the enclosure for adult Greek Tortoises should be larger.
Greek Tortoises feel most comfortable in a naturalistic enclosure with stones, plants, and small hills. They also appreciate hiding places such as leaf piles or branches. Both dry and moist areas should be present in the enclosure, especially for young tortoises.
Hibernation of Greek Tortoises
Like many of its counterparts, the Greek tortoise also enters a state called winter dormancy during the cold months of the year. In this phase lasting several months, the body temperature drops, and heart rate, respiration, and digestion significantly slow down.
To ensure proper care, Greek Tortoises should have the opportunity to hibernate even in captivity. Otherwise, health problems are likely to arise.
The hibernation period typically lasts from November to March. To maintain consistent temperatures, it is recommended to place them in an overwintering box in a refrigerator.
What do Greek Tortoises eat?
A proper diet is crucial for the health of Greek Tortoises. Whenever possible, their food should resemble their natural diet.
Greek Tortoises are herbivores. They require a high-fiber diet consisting mainly of wild herbs, fresh wild plants, and leaves.
Additionally, their diet can be supplemented with hay. Salad and other vegetables can also be included in moderation. However, fruit is not suitable for Greek Tortoises.
Reproduction and Breeding of Greek Tortoises
The somewhat rough-looking mating ritual of Greek Tortoises occurs after the hibernation period. If successful, females lay their eggs between April and June. They dig a nest and lay 3 to a maximum of 14 eggs.
After egg-laying, which can occur two to three times per year, the female tortoise carefully covers the nest with soil. The incubation period lasts an average of 90 days, but it can be longer in some regions.
Breeding Greek Tortoises in captivity is usually uncomplicated, and many individuals are bred each year. In most cases, the eggs are artificially incubated. However, natural breeding can also occur in gardens.
To allow females to lay their eggs, it is necessary to provide them with a suitable spot, such as a nesting area. Otherwise, they may suffer from potentially fatal egg retention.
When do Greek Tortoises reach sexual maturity?
In the wild, male Greek Tortoises reach sexual maturity at around 10 years of age, while females reach it at about 12 years. However, the exact timing depends on weight rather than age. In captivity, tortoises can reach sexual maturity at an earlier age. Female Greek Tortoises typically reach sexual maturity at a weight of about 700 grams, while males can do so at around 400 grams.
Buying Greek Tortoises
If you want to buy a Greek Tortoise, it is important to approach a reputable breeder. As the Greek Tortoise is a protected species, the breeder must possess a CITES certificate. Additionally, you are required to register your Greek Tortoise with the appropriate authorities immediately after purchase.
How much does a Greek Tortoise cost?
The purchase price depends on various factors, including the age of the tortoise. Greek Tortoises younger than one year are usually offered for around 60 to 70 euros on popular classified ad platforms. Older individuals can cost significantly more.
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