Hermann's Tortoise
Testudo hermanni
This tortoise has a unique, horny scale at the tip of its tail that looks like a small claw or spur.
- Scientific name
- Testudo hermanni
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Reptilia › Testudines › Testudinidae › Testudo
- IUCN Red List status
- Near Threatened
- Population trend
- decreasing
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Mediterranean scrublands (maquis and garrigue), open oak and pine forests, and dry grasslands.
- Diet
- Primarily herbivorous, consuming wild grasses, clover, dandelions, and succulents; occasionally eats snails or carrion.
- Range
- Italy, Greece, France, Spain, Balkan Peninsula, Turkey
- Size
- 13-28 cm in length; 2-4 kg in weight.
- Lifespan
- 30 to 50 years in the wild, often exceeding 70 years.
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation, urbanization, devastating wildfires, and illegal collection for the pet trade.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and docile. Observe from a distance to avoid causing stress. Do not pick them up; tortoises may void their bladder in fear, losing critical hydration. If found on a road, gently move it to the side in the direction it was already traveling. If bitten (extremely rare), wash the area with soap and water.
Hermann's tortoise ( Testudo hermanni ) is one of five tortoise species traditionally placed in the genus Testudo , the others being the marginated tortoise ( T. marginata ), Greek tortoise ( T. graeca , or spur-thighed tortoise), Russian tortoise ( T. horsfieldii ), and Kleinmann's tortoise ( T. kleinmanni , or Egyptian tortoise). Two subspecies are known: the western Hermann's tortoise ( T. h. hermanni ) and the eastern Hermann's tortoise ( T. h. boettgeri ). Sometimes mentioned as a subspecies, T. h. peleponnesica is not...
Photo: Drepanostoma, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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