tortoise only eating lettuce

[Znass]

Hello everyone!
Not long ago i was out and saw a guy selling tortoises on the side of the road, they were really dirty and smelled bad and looked like they needed water, so I decided to get one because I thought I could give it a better life. Ever since I’ve got her, I’ve been trying to feed her different greens but she refuses and only eats lettuce, i read somewhere that if they were brought up only eating a certain food then they refuse to wat anything else. Is this true? If yes what can I do? She eats a bit of arugula too but that’s pretty much it. I’m worried because that can’t be good for her long term.

 

[TammyJ]

Hi there. Thank you for trying to help this poor little creature.
Some more pictures would be needed so we can identify the species of tortoise you have. Then we can go from there, and the experts here will certainly help you with good advice! Wait for more replies, and keep your tortoise in a shallow tub with warm water (not too deep, just to about half way up his shell so he can have his head out of the water) (not too hot!) for a half hour to get hydrated to start with. You will be asked to give information on how you are keeping it, and the temperature, humidity etc.

 

[Znass]

Hi there. Thank you for trying to help this poor little creature.
Some more pictures would be needed so we can identify the species of tortoise you have. Then we can go from there, and the experts here will certainly help you with good advice! Wait for more replies, and keep your tortoise in a shallow tub with warm water (not too deep, just to about half way up his shell so he can have his head out of the water) (not too hot!) for a half hour to get hydrated to start with. You will be asked to give information on how you are keeping it, and the temperature, humidity etc.

I’ve had it for a while now so I’ve been putting her in warm water pretty regularly and she’s doing a lot better than when i first got her. I tried to set up an enclosure to the best of my ability, i live in the middle east and nobody really has tips on tortoise care. I set up her enclosure under direct sunlight in the summer but because it’s winter now i tried to find her a uv light. I really don’t know if I’m doing things right or not but atleast i want to get her food right?

 

[Ink]

@ZEROPILOT @Tom @zovick hopefully an expert will be able to help you. Pretty tortoise!

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Jordanian Greek?
If so, our member @Gillian M also lives in Jordan and also has a Greek tortoise.
Let's ask her what she feeds her tort, OLI.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

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• Greek tortoises

Greek Tortoise Care Guide​

• Thread starterHermanniChris
• Start dateApr 12, 2019
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• Apr 12, 2019
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HermanniChris​

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10 Year Member!
The Greek Tortoise Care Guide
(Testudo graeca ssp)

Chris Leone
HermanniHaven.com
GardenStateTortoise.com
theTurtleRoom.com

THIS CARE-SHEET IS DETAILED FOR A REASON. READ IT THOROUGHLY BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH OBTAINING A TORTOISE.

Moroccan tortoise (Testudo graeca marokkensis)

Introduction
Testudo graeca (Linnaeus, 1758) is famously dubbed the Greek tortoise and less commonly referred to as the Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise. The enlarged scales or tubercles on each side of the tail (thighs) make this second title more accurate than the first. The name “Greek tortoise” is merely Linnaues’s description for the Greek mosaic pattern often found on the carapace of the vast majority of specimens occurring across their natural distribution. In reality, the only type of Greek tortoise actually occurring anywhere in Greece is Testudo graeca ibera. The remaining nine currently valid subspecies are found elsewhere. The Testudo graeca species complex is at present comprised of ten distinct subspecies spanning a natural range that covers North Africa, southern Europe and southwestern Asia. Its status in nature is dwindling with particular subspecies more at risk than others. The IUCN includes T. graeca as “Vulnerable A1cd” (1996) globally, and regionally in Europe it is listed as “Vulnerable A2bcde+4bcde” (2004) however, the once recognized subspecies Testudo graeca nikolskii which is now a synonym for Testudo graeca ibera was listed as “Critically Endangered A1abcde+2bcde” (1996). This notation may reveal something we did not already know concerning T. g. ibera’s numbers in nature. Many of Testudo graeca’s subspecies and forms have been subjected to severe over-collection for the worldwide pet trade for a staggering amount of time thus leading some to a more critical status.

Altogether, Testudo graeca is a robust species with a blunt snout and boxy head. It of course varies greatly in its appearance across its range but each subspecies or local form follows several basic traits. The carapace is typically rounded or oval with minimal flaring of the marginal scutes except in males (and some distinct subspecies) which may be rather trapezoid in overall shape. The plastron of females features a single hinge and although the tortoise can not seal up like that of Terrapene species, it does allow for some mobility in facilitating egg laying. The domed carapace is littered with irregular dark bars, blotches, rays, spots or flecks on a tan, yellow, ochre or brown ground color. Conspicuous tubercles or spurs are found on each thigh and the supracaudal shield is normally undivided and does not flex inward. The tail of both sexes does not taper to a point but is rather stout and rounded at the end. Males are usually smaller (most of the time) than females, feature notable concavity to the plastron, have longer tails with a vent further away from the edge of the anal scutes and a wider anal scute opening.

Testudo graeca may be broken down into more than a dozen subspecies depending on the literature or individual you choose to source. While it is not particularly difficult to come to the realization that there are probably more than just ten, the fact that recent surveys yield weak expressions in genetic divergence between proposed subspecies (van der Kuyl, et al, 2005) brings expanding this taxa to a screeching halt, for now. There is a marked difference in the mitochondrial DNA between Testudo graeca graeca and Testudo graeca ibera with specific haplotypes possibly resulting in one or both being elevated to full species rank. From a morphological standpoint these two are very different. In fact, other forms of T. graeca are dissimilar from each other in regards to appearance and habitat preference as well.

The genuine recognition of Greek tortoise subspecies is quite possibly the most grueling of any Testudo differentiation task. Similarities in coloration, shape, size and behavior make it tiring to begin with but inaccurate literature does not help. The worldwide web is filled to the brim with outdated chelonian information and Mediterranean tortoises certainly take on the brunt of it. In most cases these inaccuracies began with the dealer or collector who first named them. The putative “Golden Greeks” that came into the United States for the first time in the early 2000s are a prime example. Dealers who were able to get their hands on these animals dubbed them as “golden” because of the high content of yellow coloration most would exhibit. This name was made up entirely and holds absolutely no validation as to what they actually are. More on these later. Testudo graeca is highly variable even within one population making identification nearly impossible if origin is unknown. The significance of knowing the history of a tortoise or group of tortoises has grown to a valuable level today. It does not only enable the probability of specimens being matched up correctly but it also helps to lessen the amount of questionable or hybridized animals in the private keeping network. Up until now hobbyists, dealers, breeders and even some authors have thrown around terms such as golden Greek, black Greek, Libyan Greek, Ibera Greek and others as a way to separate various Testudo graeca types. None of these are authentic names.

The Subspecies
As already mentioned, there are more than ten recognizable Greek tortoise “types” in nature and in collections, even in the USA. Some, including myself, see the current taxonomic findings as insufficient. An up-to-date and in-depth research project concerning this group of tortoises is in dire need to gain an actual understanding of how many subspecies (and maybe even species) there really are and the true differences between them. In an effort to help readers and keepers alike from mixing animals from different bloodlines or geographical areas, I will list more than the current ten with brief descriptions before we get into the main body of this care-sheet.

Latin Name: Testudo graeca ibera
Americanized Common name: "Ibera Greek"
Valid Common Name: Asia Minor tortoise
Notes: The most widespread and encountered Greek tortoise subspecies both in nature and captivity. Size and coloration varies incredibly, with some specimens surpassing 11” just like the eastern Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri). Robust, hardy, aggressive and extremely cold tolerant. Some may be entirely black while others almost entirely yellow. Most commonly we think of the “Hermann’s tortoise” look when it comes to ibera, in that they have a yellowish ground color with black bars and blotches on each carapace scute. Few have managed to keep the Asia Minor tortoise pure under captive collections all thanks to droves of imported Testudo graeca ssp being mixed together and sold as the same thing. Most commonly we see ibera bred to terrestris which is described next. This is partly due to the fact that terrestris are known in the hobby as “Golden Greeks” when in fact they are not always golden. An extremely outdated and irresponsible way of thinking was to assume that if it isn’t golden, it must be an ibera. This in return has generated an influx of bastardized (hybridized) Greek tortoises on the global market but most commonly in the USA. Testudo graeca ibera is an animal that should be isolated from any other species of tortoise included all other Greek tortoises. It is unique, brawny, genetically differentiated and far more powerful than its T. graeca ssp cousins.

Asia Minor Tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera)

Latin Name: Testudo graeca terrestris
Americanized Common name: "Golden Greek"
Valid Common Name: Mesopotamian tortoise
Notes: A commonly encountered subspecies in American collections and inaccurately dubbed the "Golden Greek". Dark and all-black specimens occur within this wide-ranged tortoise. This taxon is under severe debate because it simply covers far too vast of an area where these animals naturally exist. Further examination is needed in order to realistically understand the Greek tortoises occurring in this proposed subspecie's range. Most likely, there is more than one subspecies living within this distribution. This is a sensitive type that cannot tolerate wet conditions for prolonged periods. Runny nose syndrome commonly associated with mycoplasma are often exhibited by wild collected adults. They are capable of handling cooler temperatures as long as they remain dry. Captive bred neonates seem to do quite well under captive conditions and do adapt. These tortoises typically reach carapace lengths of 5" for males and 7" for females, respectively. Depending on geographic range, these tortoises can be solid buttery yellow or nearly identical to ibera in having the yellow with black borders “look”. Some animals are even a consistent slate gray color or a rusty brown. This is why the term “Golden Greek” really holds no water. Perhaps a more appropriate way to this approach would be to simply say, “Wanted: Golden to yellow variant of Testudo graeca terrestris.” Because let’s face it, if you simply state you are looking for Golden Greeks and end up with darkly colored terrestris, no one lied to you in actuality. Do your homework, know what it is you’re really after and help us clean up this mess when it comes to Greek tortoises. All the dealers did in the earlier days was leave out the dark animals while they were collecting. That unfortunately gave hobbyists the idea that all of these tortoises are supposed to be gold. Until science puts the work into adequately sampling the wild populations of T. g. terrestris to see if they can be broken down into further subspecies, we are at the mercy of coming together to understand that these animals are not all golden colored.

Mesopotamian tortoise (Testudo graeca terrestris)

Latin Name: Testudo graeca marokkensis
Americanized Common name: "Moroccan Greek"
Valid Common Name: Morocco tortoise
Notes: A recently discovered North African subspecies. They have only entered the United States pet trade a few times in recent years but sadly most perished within the first year. This was due to heavy parasitic loads and insufficient care. This is a dry-dwelling tortoise which does appreciate vegetative cover in the form of a thick canopy. They do tolerate cold if kept dry. Robust and charming when housed appropriately. Quite prolific once dialed in and following an annual cycle. Adults vary between 500 and 700 grams for males and around 900 grams for females with some exceeding 1,500 grams. Beautiful blotches or radiating rays of black may accompany a horn colored base on both the carapace and plastron. Darker and lighter animals exist as always. Specimens found in the northern parts of their range in areas like Meknes feature stronger black pigmentation. This creates beautiful contrast while those found closer to places like Agadir are more of a sand-beige color with fewer dark markings. They may on average be smaller as well. Hatchlings are easily differentiated from other Greek tortoise babies by being a uniform brown color with no central dark spot on each carapace scute. The spot eventually appears as the animals grow and will break up into rays, lines and splotches.

Moroccan tortoise (Testudo graeca marokkensis)

Latin Name: Testudo graeca nabeulensis
Americanized Common name: "Tunisian Greek"
Valid Common Name: Nabeul tortoise or Tunisian spur-thighed tortoise
Notes: By far the smallest of the Testudo graeca species complex on average with adult males rarely surpassing 4-4.5” and females reaching 5-5.5". Overall, this subspecies is alongside the Egyptian tortoise and certain forms of the western Hermann's tortoise as the smallest of all tortoises found in the genus Testudo. They were once accepted as a full species being dubbed Furculachelys nabeulensis (Highfeild, 1990) but are now included in the Greek tortoise grouping. Heavy black pigment accompanies a yellow to almost white ground color on the carapace and plastron. They are petite and delicate even as captive bred individuals. Never heavily imported into the USA, the few founder animals are associated with being illegally smuggled or mixed into importations of Libyan tortoises in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They require desert-like habitats and must be able to escape rainfall if it persists. Care is basically the same as is for the more common Egyptian tortoise. This is one of the rarest Greek tortoises and a very rare Testudo in general. When set up correctly from the start, we have found that they prove to be a rewarding little tortoise to keep.

Nabeul tortoise (Testudo graeca nabeulensis)

Latin Name: Testudo graeca cyrenaica
Americanized Common name: "Libyan Greek"
Valid Common Name: Cyrenaican Spur-thighed tortoise or Libyan tortoise
Notes: This highly attractive subspecies was notably imported in fairly large numbers into the United States in the late 1990s and 2000s. Like Morocco tortoises, few survived long term because many keepers attempted to house them in conditions similar to Testudo graeca ibera. The two subspecies are actually nothing alike and because of the untimely deaths that countless Cyrenaican Spur-thighed tortoises met, they are now a rarity in American collections. Another dry-dwelling subspecies, care must be taken to keep them out of overly humid or wet situations. They are marked by a yellow ground colored littered with black dalmatian-like spotting all over the carapace. The shell is oblong with some flaring of the marginal scutes giving way to "skirt-like" appearance. Males may reach 6-6.5" and females may surpass 7.5" respectively. This is quite possibly the most difficult Greek tortoise to acclimate in captivity. Captive bred specimens are of course a better choice but still should be watched closely for any changes in otherwise normal behavior.

Cyrenaican spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca cyrenaica)

Latin Name: Testudo graeca anamurensis
Americanized Common name: "Anamurensis Greek"
Valid Common Name: Anamur tortoise or Anamurum tortoise
Notes: This subspecies has recently been demoted to a geographical variant of the Asia Minor tortoise which is really an unfortunate move. They are easily differentiated from all other Greek tortoises by taking a clear look at the shell morphology. This tortoise is often confused with the Marginated tortoise (Testudo marginata) because of the conspicuous flaring of the rear marginal scutes on both sexes. Shell coloration may be entirely black or may be ochre with black mottling. They are a larger subspecies reaching sizes more comparable to T. g. ibera. In our care, females surpass 8 and even 9” with males not far behind. Like Asia Minor tortoises, they are robust and hardy, able to withstand a variety of weather conditions including cold. The carapace is also rather flat when compared to any other member of the Testudo graeca species complex. Some individuals are shockingly narrow in body shape. The skin is gray to black and interestingly, babies are a gorgeous buttery-blonde color with inconspicuous dark spots. Their appearance could rival the most gold examples of Testudo graeca terrestris. This does fade with age and as the colors begin to mix, the animals often become as black as night. Truly a fascinating and very rare Greek tortoise. At the time of writing this, the only known true T. g. anamurensis in the USA reside at our facility.

Anamur tortoise (Testudo graeca anamurensis)

Latin Name: Testudo graeca buxtoni
Americanized Common name: "Zagros Mountain Greek"
Valid Common Name: Buxton's tortoise
Notes: This subspecies has unfortunately come into the pet trade alongside other subspecies of Greek tortoise including T. g. terrestris and T. g. ibera. Because they are not an easily recognizable type, they were inevitably mixed with one or both of these and forced to cross-breed. They are a cold tolerant, robust tortoise reaching considerable sizes of 6-9" and larger. They exhibit an attractive array of browns, tans, grays and black with some animals being uniform gray to black. Skin coloration is dark like the Asia Minor tortoise and the carapace exhibits a noticeable arch. This is not necessarily a rare subspecies of Testudo graeca but rather a poorly understood one that tends to float around in collections of conspecifics belonging to an entirely different subspecies. They resemble T. g. ibera closest on average and are often bred to them. To really get an idea of what this tortoise looks like, I strongly recommend buying a copy of Terralog 1 Turtles of the World (2nd Ed) (Africa, Europe & Western Asia) by Holger Vetter and by visiting the Greek tortoise pages on my site, HermanniHaven.com. You may be surprised.

Buxton's tortoise (Testudo graeca buxtoni)

Latin Name: Testudo graeca graeca
Americanized Common name: "Greek Tortoise"
Valid Common Name: Mediterranean Spur-thighed or Moorish tortoise
Notes: This is the nominate form of Testudo graeca and despite the fact that the name "Greek tortoise" is thrown around in the global hobby, they are actually quite rare in American collections. Few keepers can describe what a pure T. graeca graeca looks like and some are simply describing Testudo graeca ibera when they attempt to do so. They are highly sensitive and although cold tolerant, they need primarily dry conditions. Customarily, Testudo graeca graeca features a light ground color, sometimes rather bright on the shell with nonuniform dark pigment in the form of spots, blotches and flecks or even rays (Algerian animals). The areola of each carapace scute is marked by a central black smudge or dot that may or may not be fringed with more black pigment laterally and anteriorly. As with most populations, those from the south are predominantly lighter in overall coloration while those from the north are darker. Specimens found in southern Morocco often have orange to reddish colored skin which corresponds with the color of the soil they occur on. There are variations throughout local forms of this tortoise. In areas where they are believed to have been introduced like Spain, they are very brightly colored with a yellow ground color. In some populations adults are smallish with males reaching 4.5-6" and females reaching 6 to 7.5", respectively. In Algeria, this tortoise grows to large proportions much like T. g. ibera. This form was once dubbed Testudo graeca whitei. These animals, originally described in1836, can attain dimensions and weights of over 11” and nearly 10 lbs (Highfield, 1996). Algerian graeca may differ morphologically from orthodox Moorish tortoises in addition to their impressive size by having a more elongate carapace and pronounced flaring of the rear marginal scutes in males (Highfield, 1996). In my personal opinion, these Algerian tortoises physically resemble Testudo graeca marokkensis rather than T. g. graeca. In reality, it seems Moorish tortoises are morphologically closer to Tunisian animals (Testudo graeca nabeulensis).

Moorish tortoise (Testudo graeca graeca)

Latin Name: Testudo graeca soussensis
Americanized Common name: ??
Valid Common Name: Souss Valley tortoise
Notes: This is a highly difficult tortoise to identify native to southern Morocco and the Souss Valley. Typically light in overall coloration, it bears a sand to yellowish colored carapace with little to no black pigment. When black is present, it is in the form of rays or splotches much like its nearby counterparts Testudo graeca marokkensis. It has been noted that captive born and raised youngsters may feature more black areas at least for a time being during growth. Heavily black pigmented individuals are also encountered in nature which furthermore confuses identification. The skin may be pink to orangish resembling the soils it is found on. Adult size matches both T. g. marokkensis and T. g. graeca with noted variation. Some reports suggest that soussensis is actually larger on average. Perhaps the only true identification tool one can use for this tortoise is the recognition of the lack of thigh spurs. This interesting example of the Greek tortoise family group lacks any thigh spurs in a number of individuals. It is unclear to me what the ratio of specimens with thigh spurs to those without them is, however, various sources state that this is an indicative trait of the Souss Valley tortoise. This is similar to the situation concerning the western Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni hermanni) occurring on the Madonie in Sicily, Italy. These peculiar Hermann’s tortoises actually exhibit thigh spurs. So, imagine that….a Greek tortoise without spurs and a Hermann’s tortoise with them! This is yet another reason why it is so imperative for outdated information to be replaced.

Souss Valley tortoise (Testudo graeca soussensis)

Latin Name: Testudo graeca zarudnyi
Americanized Common name: ??
Valid Common Name: Iranian tortoise
Notes: This is notably the rarest of the Greeks and little is known about its ecology or presence in captivity. Growing to between 24 and 28 cm, the shell is colored like that of Testudo graeca buxtoni but can feature the same degree of ochre found on Testudo graeca anamurensis. Iranian tortoises occur only in parts of eastern Iran in harsh environments. Flaring of the rear marginal scutes resembles that of Testudo graeca anamurensis and even Testudo marginata. The body type is overall robust and more like that of T. g. ibera.

Iranian tortoise (Testudo graeca zarudnyi)

Latin Name: Testudo graeca armeniaca
Americanized Common name: ??
Valid Common Name: Araxes tortoise
Notes: Another rarity, Testudo graeca armeniaca is special in that it looks very similar to the Russian tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii ssp). Its colors of black, gray and tan, along with its bulbous head shape, rounded shell shape and semi-flatness to the vertebral scutes may lead one to think they are witnessing a Russian tortoise of some type. This tortoise is not known in American collections at the time of writing this but is present in some European collections. Smaller than ibera and anamurensis, it is closer in dimensions to buxtoni and zarudnyi at between 24 and 26 cm.

Araxes tortoise (Testudo graeca armeniaca)

Availability
The availability of Greek tortoise subspecies is often subjected to country but it is the Asia Minor tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera) that is most common. Today we see this tortoise typically offered as captive born babies because true, reproductive adults are hard to come by. Still, it is the most produced subspecies in captivity. It’s worth noting that just like Hermann’s tortoises, ibera are recognized by having some distinct local forms (locales). Some are considerably larger than others but the pet trade has done an excellent job in mixing them up.

Asia Minor tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera) on the left and Anamur tortoise (Testudo graeca anamurensis) on the right

Taking second place in popularity along with abundance is the Mesopotamian tortoise (Testudo graeca terrestris). This tortoise continues to be imported into various countries for the demanding pet trade and shipments are comprised of golden examples, black ones, mottled individuals and everything in between. Although not as easily reproduced as T. g. ibera, the Mesopotamian tortoise is far from unavailable in terms of captive bred hatchlings. What’s actually rare is getting any T. g. terrestris that are pure to origin. Jordanian, Syrian, Israeli and Turkish forms of this animal have been tossed around and mixed together for years. In the United States, more than 75% of keepers breeding them have absolutely no clue if all the tortoises in their group are from the same place. Locality specific specimens are not only a treat but are a savior in keeping these species as pure as possible for generations ahead.

Mesopotamian tortoise (Testudo graeca terrestris) from Jordan

Mesopotamian tortoise (Testudo graeca terrestris) from Syria

When it comes to the rest of the Testudo graeca subspecies, it is unclear just how rare some of them are under human care. In the USA the Moroccan tortoise (Testudo graeca marokkensis) has stepped up to the plate in popularity but with a disturbing amount of imports dying off in their first 12 months after shipment, only a fraction of them have yielded any captive born young. We find them to be rather hardy once acclimated properly and set up correctly from the start. The case with other Moroccan forms of T. graeca (this includes T. graeca graeca and T. g. soussensis) is not an easy one to assess but surely they are less available than T. g. marokkensis. It’s worth mentioning that the large imports of tortoises from Morocco that have come into the American pet trade via dealers never had any real identification tag attached to them. They were simply (and not surprisingly) labeled “Moroccan Greeks”. Perhaps these shipments were comprised of several subspecies and are still being bred to each other by keepers today. The Anamur tortoise (Testudo graeca anamurensis) is very rare globally despite it not currently being listed as a valid taxon. While they are one of the most recognizable Greek tortoises, they have never been easy to obtain. Buxton’s tortoise (T. graeca buxtoni) is more confusing than it is rare. This subspecie’s purity is severely disrupted by mix ups and this is mainly the result of keepers thinking they have something they do not because they went off a photo floating around on the world wide web. This is especially apparent in the USA. Buxton’s tortoise is not a particularly vibrant form of the Greek tortoise and often resembles T. g. ibera and some forms of T. g. terrestris which does not coincide with what is being offered. Various keepers are selling “buxtoni” when in actuality they are offering a form of Testudo graeca terrestris, the Mesopotamian tortoise. The fact that the animals aren’t golden is why sellers think they are Buxton’s or something else. Confused yet? You can blame the collectors and dealers that first began exporting wild tortoises for sale without any note of origin, or care for that matter.

Mesopotamian tortoise (Testudo graeca terrestris)

The Tunisian spur-thigh (Testudo graeca nabeulensis) is more common in UK collections and remains a true rarity here on American soil. Their sensitivity and petiteness has sadly landed most of them a front row seat on the “untimely death train”. Like Moroccan tortoises, we find them to be hardy when given the right care and environment. Tunisians are highly sought after considering their diminutive size and brilliant coloration. The same goes for Testudo graeca cyrenaica, the Libyan tortoise. This tortoise is also beautifully colored and sensitive. Like T. g. marokkensis, many of them perished before their time after being imported into the United States. Those lucky enough to still have them may find that captive bred and raised stock prove to be much hardier than wild caught. Libyans are unfortunately also subjected to mix ups and we tend to see these dark, or “washed out” looking babies offered from time to time when they should be a rich yellow color with a central dark spot on each carapace scute. The spot is then bordered by dark pigment but contrast is usually clear and not muddied. The Araxes tortoise (T. g. armeniaca) and Iranian tortoise (T. g. zarudnyi) are currently unknown in American collections but we are working to change that. Finding legitimate, legal animals is no easy task. There have been a small few in the past that claimed to have these animals but the claims resulted in no photos, no paperwork and well, no proof.

Cyrenaican Spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca cyrenaica)

When looking for any Greek tortoise to add to your collection, I strongly advise that you do thorough research on the seller. The American reptile trade is littered with dishonest parties looking to make a quick buck by offering up animals that are not legitimate to purity. Impurity is one of the biggest threats that the tortoises of the genus Testudo face but we as responsible enthusiasts can help the situation by thoroughly educating ourselves. For starters, have plenty of questions prepared for those who offer “Golden Greeks” or “Black Greeks”. Neither name corresponds to a valid subspecies and are simply tied to color. Keep in mind that there are both gold and black examples found in various populations of any Greek tortoise as already stated. When you come across these offerings, absolutely request photos of the parents if they are babies that are being sold.

Habitat
All members of the Testudo graeca species complex occur in Mediterranean landscape of some degree. Sloping hillsides, rocky outcrops. scrubland, meadows and the edge of forests are commonplace. Low lying shrubbery is the preferred choice for refuge from the relentless sun and typically there is no thick canopy overhead. Generally speaking, the habitat of any Greek tortoise is on the dry side if not extremely dry but some subspecies are equipped to handle substantial rainfall such as Testudo graeca ibera, for example. Sunlight is paramount for these animals and is required for them to live normal lives and reach optimal functionality including reproduction. The severity and duration of winter varies from region to region which concludes that some Greek tortoises are able to withstand long, frigid periods while others can only handle short, mild ones. The species’ range is so vast that annual precipitation levels, average temperatures, substrate consistency and vegetation vary incredibly.

Moroccan tortoise (Testudo graeca marokkensis)
Care in Captivity
The proper care of Greek tortoises in captivity is not always an easy topic to tackle. This is because we are dealing with several subspecies that are not only physically or genetically different from each other, but they have different husbandry requirements too. This goes hand in hand with why it is so imperative to know exactly what you have when you purchase one or more of these tortoises. Far too many hatchlings meet their end because of keepers being misinformed from the beginning about the animal(s) they’ve acquired. If you’re patient and obtain a Greek tortoise from a known breeder of pure stock, chances are you’ll have long term success. Buying solely on impulse is not a practice recommended for tortoise keeping and especially not when it concerns the Testudo graeca family group. Truth be told, their care is not the same across the board and although similar as babies, adults must be met with specific requirements pertaining to their historic origin. For this reason, I will break this husbandry part of the care-sheet down into two groups of Greek tortoises. We will deal with the hardy subspecies which are more tolerant of conditions and we will also cover the arid dwelling ones which are more sensitive. Those are that not known in captivity to any thorough extent will not be covered at this time.

Asia Minor tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera) accepting a cactus pad from my hand.

Care for Hardy Subspecies
Hardy Greek tortoise subspecies include the Asia Minor tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera), the Anamurum tortoise (Testudo graeca anamurensis) and Buxton’s tortoise (Testudo graeca buxtoni). These animals, particularly ibera, are well-built, robust types with the capability of withstanding extreme temperatures and conditions.

Without question, outdoors is best for them. There is no replacement for the sun and the animals will appreciate being subjected to natural elements even when they are not exactly favorable. The enclosure must be built in a sun drenched spot and nothing less. In the wild, the sun beats down on their Mediterranean landscapes and the tortoises make full use of it in the morning to reach a desirable body temperature. This temperature allows them to function at a normal level for the time of year at hand. South facing and sloped is best. The size of the enclosure is up for debate as it usually is, but I will at least describe what we do here. These subspecies are medium to large sized so this needs to be taken into consideration during the early planning stages. T. g. ibera are the largest on average but T. g. anamurensis are not far behind. We choose to house groups of 2 males and 6 females in nothing less than 30 feet by 20 feet. The walls of the enclosures are made from pressure treated planks. They do not pose any harm to the tortoises and last much longer than untreated wood does in an outdoor setting. Planks are 2 inches thick and vary from 8 to 12 feet long, and are 10 to 12 inches high. Using 3 to 4” exterior decking screws, they are secured to landscape timbers acting as posts. The 8 foot timbers are cut in half and each half is buried into the ground 18 to 24”. Any excess from the timbers that exceeds the final height of the wall is cut off with a sawzall. If you’re working with exceptionally lose ground, you may want to fill the hole you dig for the timber posts with cement to keep them in place. You’ll need to double the wall planks up in order to achieve a wall height of 20 to 24” above the ground to prevent escapes. These animals are capable of climbing and corners are an easy way for them to claw their way to the top. Always cap corners off or install a lip on top of the the entire perimeter so that if a tortoise makes its way up it will hit the lip and fall back down. We choose to only bury the first plank into the ground 4 to 6”. Of course Greek tortoises are able to dig down but when provided with a beautifully decorated, naturalistic pen, they will not try to escape by digging out. If plenty of sun, shade, plants, food, water, decor and other natural elements are provided, members of the Testudo graeca species group will settle down nicely and begin to exhibit daily cycles of grazing, breeding, exploring and hiding. Only gravid females looking to nest should be the ones pacing relentlessly and it’s only temporary. Once the eggs have been safely deposited into the ground, the female will resume normal activity patterns. If a tortoise is not gravid or is a male and is tirelessly pacing the enclosure, climbing the walls, flipping over and/or trying to dig out, something is wrong with the set up. You will need to rethink the enclosure and take all possibilities of why the specimen(s) is/are not happy into account.

Testudo enclosures here at Garden State Tortoise/Hermanni Haven.

Up front, I want the reader to be fully aware that Greek tortoises are aggressive animals and this does not only pertain to males. Testudo graeca ibera and Testudo graeca anamurensis can be downright violent. I find it best to have a few extra, smaller pens available to separate out aggressors that take things a little too far. Excessive biting, ramming and chasing are commonplace. While these behaviors are normal for them and should be allowed to some degree, you must keep an eye on them. Male combat and female dominance are wonderful, natural displays of T. graeca conduct but things can escalate quickly. Shell and skin injuries along with stress can become real issues which may lead to more serious health problems. A tortoise that sits in a corner, does not venture over for food or rests in the same spot for days is one that is showing clear signs of being stressed-out. More than likely this is being caused by another individual, be it male or female. When keeping larger groups of ibera, anamurensis or buxtoni, aggression complications seem to be less of a problem. This is typically due to there being multiple animals around to share any pressing behavior instead of just one individual taking on the brunt of it. After-all, a group or colony tends to behave more like a wild population would. Early on in life, tortoises often gather together under the same object or vegetation used for hiding. They congregate and are typically seen in groups of sorts. This sets the stage for the dynamic of the population at hand and the animals learn how to coexist. Aggression of any kind is still part of their annual cycle but “rogue males” are less commonly seen, if at all. It is believed that at a young age they are imprinting on each other, behaving naturally and seeking close contact (Wegehaupt et al 2006). Males in particular that have been housed alone their entire lives may become a serious problem down the line if added to a colony. Their frustration, both sexual and from seeking dominance, takes them over and they will spend all their time harassing conspecifics of both sexes. Despite the fact that these tortoises occur in colonies in nature, housing them in just pairs is not recommended. The female will absolutely become stressed to the point of food refusal from the male’s persistence. In some cases, the male can actually become stressed by the female. Females can and will assert dominance especially when gravid. They will exhibit the same aggressive behavior as males do by ramming and even mounting. Of course keeping only a pair can work but it’s more than wise to not always house them together unless of course you have the room to provide them with an enormous pen. Such a pen will need to be so big that the two do not always encounter each other, as would be the case in the wild.

Typical biting behavior in Testudo graeca ibera.

Tortoises occur in colonies in nature and so we find it best to do the same under captive conditions. There is a dynamic that is portrayed within a given population where males combat over females and females go about their day to day rituals. Males may not always engage in a battle upon encounters and several individuals may be found grazing or basking together in harmony at any time. Females will compete over oviposition (egg laying) areas and the right spots are hotly contested. Both sexes follow the same annual cycle becoming less active in autumn and increasingly active in the spring. This all remains within a delicate balance, one that cannot be mimicked by housing only one tortoise, or a pair for that matter. If your plan is to breed these animals long term and have long term success with regards to health, keeping a group is recommended. In either case, a proper environment for them needs to be in place first.

In our coastal location, we have a naturally sandy substrate that works well for many tortoise species, including Testudo graeca ssp. A grass lawn would need to be removed and replaced with a substrate comprised of sand, top soil and some gravel. It’s crucial for the substrate to drain well, so be sure to survey the chosen area for the enclosure ahead of time to see how it fares during torrential downpours. Uneven terrain within the enclosure should be provided by creating mounds and slopes. Boulders, drift wood and rocks can be pushed around the base of a mound or slope to give it stability. This also coaxes the inhabitants to climb which is of course good exercise. Sun-bleached tree limbs, river stone, flag stone and more boulders can be added for aesthetic appeal and as visual barriers that will help curb potential stress. Plant life is of course important for these tortoises in offering refuge. Mediterranean Heather, Spirea, hibiscus, fountain grass and knockout rose are beautiful, safe choices. Allowing edibles to grow throughout the enclosure will enable the tortoises to graze at their leisure. Clover, plantain, vetch, sow thistle, black medic, hens and chicks, mallow and sedum are recommended. Shallow water dishes 1 to 2 inches deep should be recessed into the ground. Both terra cotta saucers and stainless steel dog food pans work well. Digging out shallow dips into the ground will suffice to catch rainfall. Once dug out, you can back fill with some gravel (3/4” Delaware river stone is a nice choice) and this drains slightly slower. This is a neat way to let rain water pool which offers the tortoises a fresh drinking source. It will drain on its own and refill again during the next rain. A small green house or cold frame can be installed in the enclosure to allow the tortoises to thermoregulate. Here in the northeast, we have found them to be very beneficial and help to keep our tortoises safe during bouts with unseasonably bad weather. An excellent choice is the 8 by 2 foot cedar cold frame by Gardener’s Supply. Although cedar based, it absolutely does not harm the animals in any way. It can be situated on a base made from landscape timbers or pressure treated planks. This is especially good for extra large T. g. ibera which may have a significant arch to their shells. By having the cold frame raised up with an entrance cut into the base, taller shelled specimens can enter and exit easily. Our summers are scorching as are many areas of the United States, so it is imperative that the tortoises can escape the cold frame on excessively hot days. The polycarbonate panels on the top can be propped open so that there is always air exchange and safer temps inside the cold frame during this time of year.

Cedar cold frame with polycarbonate panels open showing additional inner framing.

Hardy Testudo graeca ssp typically become active in April and remain as such until October or November. Breeding takes place at any time during the active season but reaches a peak in spring and autumn. Egg laying commences in May through June with hatchlings emerging in late summer, early autumn. On favorable days, these tortoises wake up from resting overnight and immediately seek out morning sun to bask. They will pivot against the fence line, lay on a rock, prop up against a log or remain in the cold frame to soak up the heat and the sun’s rays. Once optimal body temperature is achieved, they look for food. As the day’s temperatures increase, the tortoises retreat to shady areas and wait until they drop a bit. They will then resume grazing or basking until shortly before nightfall. Summer rain is greatly appreciated especially after periods of drought. Testudo greaca ibera is so hardy that they will not even mind if they get caught in minor flooding. We’ve witnessed our animals drink, defecate and even rest in a few inches of water after a major downpour. As summer turns to fall, these subspecies begin to bask more while consuming less food. This is the time that they begin to prepare for their winter rest.

An Excerpt About Brumation
The onset of autumn can be a stressful time for tortoise keepers as the inevitable battle of what to do with our tortoises during the winter faces us. While some species will need to be brought indoors and kept awake and active until spring, there are others that can safely sleep the winter away. Tortoises are ectothermic (cold blooded) and they don’t actually hibernate, but instead enter a period of dormancy that is referred to as “brumation.” Unlike mammals, reptiles are not in a true state of sleep during this time. They enter a state of torpor to deal with unfavorable conditions by becoming less physiologically active during a decline in temperature. Because they cannot reach optimal digestive temperatures during the coolest part of the year, brumation reduces their risk of losing too much weight by remaining inactive. Simply put, by resting, the tortoises are not burning precious calories. When a warm winter day occurs, however, they are capable of emerging from their burrows to soak up some sun and may even drink from a puddle. Mammals do not do this. Only certain tortoise species can safely brumate; types that experience the same seasons we do in areas such as the northeastern U.S. Those belonging to the genus Testudo are particularly accustomed to doing so, and keepers have had success brumating them under captive conditions for years. These include the Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni ssp.), marginated tortoise (T. marginata) and some types of Greek tortoise (T. graeca ssp.), particularly the Asia Minor or “Ibera Greek” (T. g. ibera). Russian tortoises (T. horsfieldii) also fall into the “safe-to-brumate” category, as do some American tortoises, such as the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). The majority of the world’s tortoise species are not safe to brumate. Even though many of them experience some kind of cooler portion of the year that forces them to remain somewhat inactive, they cannot handle the temperatures or length of inactivity that the previously mentioned tortoises can. It’s crucial to know what your own tortoises experience naturally in the wild, and what they are able to withstand. Otherwise, attempting to brumate a tortoise that does not normally experience brumation in nature will surely end in illness and quite likely, the tortoise’s untimely death. This is yet again why it is so crucial to only purchase Greek tortoise types from trusted breeders of pure stock. To be blunt, you need you know what you have. To read my full brumation article with notes on how to safely do it, please use this link: http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/How-To-Brumate-A-Tortoise/

Testudo graeca anamurensis exiting a cold frame after brumation in early spring.

Care for Sensitive Subspecies
Sensitive Greek tortoise subspecies include the Tunsian spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca nabeulensis), the Moorish tortoise (Testudo graeca graeca), the Libyan or Cyrencaican tortoise (Testudo graeca cyrenaica), the Mesopotamian tortoise (Testudo graeca terrestris) and the Moroccan tortoise (Testudo graeca marokkensis). These animals have all proven to be notoriously difficult to acclimate in captivity after being imported. They derive from arid habitats in nature with little to no rainfall are not as robust as hardy subspecies are and succumb more rapidly to parasitic and viral infections. Never, ever mix these tortoises with anything else for the sake of themselves and other species. They are known carriers of herpes viruses among others which can remain dormant until stress brings them out. Although wild caught stock can be carriers of these diseases their whole lives without revealing any symptoms, they undoubtedly are a danger to other tortoises. Hermann’s tortoises in particular are extremely vulnerable to herpes infections caused by Greek tortoises and will surely die. The fact that these various Testudo graeca types can persist as asymptomatic is a scary but very real situation. Take this seriously, it could save your entire collection.

Testudo graeca marokkensis basking indoors.

Considering stress is the main factor for these tortoises to go downhill, it’s important to have them set up correctly from the very start. The animals need a chance to settle in, grow accustomed to their new surroundings and should be left alone. Survivors are certainly not shy animals. Once stress has diminished, they are rather personable and will advance to their keepers for food.

Unlike hardy subspecies, it may be best to primarily house sensitive ones indoors, depending on your geographical location. Keeping them free from prolonged periods of rain, cool or wet conditions and high humidity will make all the difference in trying to establish them as healthy, long term specimens. In most portions of the United States, weather patterns typically make it impossible to keep them outdoors year round. Still, summer normally allows for at least temporary outdoor housing in certain areas. If you live in a state that receives significant rainfall throughout summer or where the temperatures cannot be trusted, you’ll need to be prepared to move them indoors at any moment. Always have indoor accommodation ready for them.

Like hardy species, an outdoor pen for sensitive ones needs to be placed in a well-drained, sunny area. The substrate should mimic that of their wild spaces. A mix comprised of play or mason sand and various grades of gravel should make up the bulk of it. Coastal areas like ours naturally have sandy ground so if you live on the coast, you may find it easier to prepare an outdoor unit for these types of Testudo graeca. Peat moss and top soil can be added in to help the mix have better consistency. This will come especially in handy for nesting females looking to break ground. Various succulents including select sedums, cacti and agave can be planted. Other plants like those mentioned above for hardy T. graeca subspecies can be used too. Rocks, logs and driftwood are of course useful as well in creating visual barriers and more refuge. A cold frame as discussed above for hardy subspecies is a must for these arid dwelling graeca in the majority of the United States. They simply cannot handle our rainfall in any excess and they will highly benefit from being able to enter a cold frame to escape it. Brooder lamps or ceramic heat emitters of 250 watts can be installed inside the cold frame for added heat and to aid in drying up in the inside should it become wet at all. Keep in mind that during summer’s peak, these brooder lamps may need to be shut off and the panels of the cold frame may need to be propped open. Even though these are arid dwelling tortoises, they are of course in danger of overheating when those scorching days come. During excessive heat, make sure the animals do not get trapped inside. We frequently experience days in the mid to high 90s (fahrenheit) in the summer and this is when we pay close attention to the cold frames. If it’s that hot outside, imagine what it’s like inside them.

Some of our outdoor Testudo pens each equipped with natural, sandy soil and a cold frame.

Altogether, the enclosure materials, size, design and construction methods mentioned for hardy Greek tortoise subspecies are acceptable for sensitive ones but the substrate is what needs some extra TLC. It should mimic the sandy ground they thrive on in the wild to at least some extent.

Indoors, these more sensitive Testudo graeca subspecies tend to do well. This is mainly attributed to the reality that they are not subjected to the amount of fluctuation in weather and temperatures as they would be if kept outside. Indoor areas of course should be spacious and we like to offer groups of 3 or 4 adults no less than 8x4 feet (bare minimum). Particularly large specimens will require more space than this. Ply wood is most commonly used to construct indoor units and works well. Again, substrate is important as these animals were not meant to sit on mulch, wood shavings or just hay and straw. There are several neat substrates specifically designed for arid reptile species today and although pricey, some are fun to work with. Zoo Med Excavator Clay is one that has proven to be effective in creating a naturalistic ground. This sand/clay product is mixed with water so that it can actually be molded to your liking. This helps the keeper create mounds and other uneven areas which the tortoises will use as they move about the enclosure. It s a reddish color which closely mimics the red sand areas some Greek tortoises legitimately occur on in nature. Testudo graeca marokkensis and Testudo graeca graeca can both be found in habitats with red sand or soil, for example. The tortoises can break through it, burrow into it and move it around even though it is molded. It’s not cement-like or too abrasive and after-all, these species naturally live in harsh, rocky environments anyway. Less expensive ways of making an aesthetically pleasing indoor environment include buying regular mason/play sand, organic potting mix, peat moss and top soil and mixing it all together. The same types of gravel used in outdoor enclosures can be added to the indoor substrate mix too. Even crushed oyster shell (commonly used as substrate for Egyptian tortoises ) is a nice additive to the mix. The substrate should be at least 8 to 12” deep if one expects females to be able to successfully nest in it. If you choose to keep the substrate shallow at between 4 and 6” deep, a large nesting box (rubbermaid containers and plastic totes work well for this) will need to be recessed into the wooden base of the enclosure so the animals can easily access it.

A well constructed indoor unit for Testudo graeca terrestris here, used during unfavorable weather.

Plant Life Tips
Plant life inside an enclosure is an important addition to bringing the entire unit together. In nature, all Greek tortoises are surrounded by various forms of vegetation which they use as both food and cover. In captivity it can be very difficult to keep edible plants alive long enough since the tortoises will constantly pick at them and eventually mow them down. In our outdoor enclosures, springtime triggers a wonderful display of weeds and wildflowers to begin blanketing the majority of the ground. Upon emergence from brumation, the tortoises are more concerned with basking and only nibble here and there which gives this vegetation a running start to really expand. By mid to late spring, they begin consuming large quantities of these naturally growing edibles and by summer, the grounds of the pens are nearly bare. This is one of the reasons why it is so crucial to plant other life within the enclosures that the animals do not necessarily want to eat (but safely can if the choose to) or cannot reach with their mouths. Hungry Greek tortoises will not hesitate to actually climb up into a plant to eat its leaves! It can be frustrating for the keeper especially if you’re like me and enjoy beautiful, naturalistic pens with flowing vegetation. Since we consistently offer our tortoises food items in addition to the vegetation in their pens, making sure they can eat their plant co-inhabitants is of secondary importance. Of course one would never want to plant something toxic, so instead, we plant hardy items that can either take some tortoise-power or are just not a preferred food. What’s primarily important is that the plants offer refuge and visual barriers. In the wild these animals do not occur completely exposed while resting on a bare ground of dirt. Simply put, they would fry in the blazing sun. Testudo graeca ssp actually will become “freaked out” if they sit vulnerable to anyone or anything because they do not have cover to escape under. These are wild animals at heart no matter what, and they are instinctively programmed to hide from potential threats. When they don’t have the chance to do this, we are once again dealing with stress.

Large grasses are an excellent way to provide cover and the animals do not eat them. Fountain or maiden grasses are a preferred choice here and they come back each year fuller and larger. The tortoises waste no time making scrapes around the bases of the grasses and can easily cool off under them during very hot days. Knockout rose, although edible, is typically left alone by the tortoises. These grow large and feature stunning flowers of pink, red or yellow… just watch out for those thorns! As the petals fall, the animals may choose to snack on them. Spirea plant varieties are some of my favorites. These also grow large and full, come back each year and are very attractive. The only negative aspect of spirea is that the animals will eat them. They are easy to climb into and the leaves are delectable, it seems. Greek tortoises (and any other Testudo species) will strip them bare. Either start with already established large spirea or be prepared to fence them in so the tortoises cannot access them until they mature and fill out. Yucca is a very hardy perennial that appears as if it were a desert succulent and as it grows it provides shade from the sun. The tortoises do not eat it. Hibiscus trees and plants are absolutely great choices but up here in the northeast we are forced to buy new ones each season, or over-winter them indoors. We typically do not have easy access to hardy types that can survive the winter. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and favored by the tortoises. They are a constant source of food as leaves and flowers drop throughout the active part of the year. The trees are tall enough so that the animals cannot reach anything and destroy them. At the end of the summer, we remove all hibiscus and feed them out to the animals in full. We then start over in the spring with new ones.

Testudo graeca anamurensis comfortably nestled in the planted vegetation.

When planting any of these items, it’s wise to clump them together in random parts of the enclosures to make nice thick areas of refuge. Of course as they grow and enlarge they may need to be trimmed especially being so close to each other but that is another thing that is of secondary importance. The well-being of our tortoises comes first and we are trying to replicate nature as best as we can. Plants do not grow in neat little rows in the wild. They grow wild! Remember you are creating a habitat for a wild animal and although the placement of these plants may not follow a typical gardener’s rule of thumb, it can still be beautiful and captivating. It also gives you piece of mind knowing your tortoises can safely access hiding areas by supplying them with appropriate plant life. There is a wide range of plants one can use in a tortoise enclosure that are safe for the occupants. It’s best to do thorough research on what can grow well in your particular area. Because New Jersey experiences all 4 seasons, we prefer to mostly use perennials outdoors. It saves us money and the plants come back better each year.

For a thorough and interesting look at plants that are both safe and unsafe for tortoises, use this link: www.thetortoisetable.org.uk

Planting an indoor enclosure is not always easy and lack of space can have a major impact. Typically, tortoises are more confined in an indoor setting and plants will of course take up space. The animals will also root around trampling any plants in the act. We make use of some indoor live plants such as agave, spider plants and Dracanea which are all safe, but the use of fake ones has proven to work quite well. Stores like Michael’s and Hobby Lobby sell countless plant replicas that are actually very realistic. Grasses, large leafed plants and even various succulents can be purchased. These stores often run 50% off on these items which is excellent if you have a large enclosure to decorate. These fakes come in all sizes and are suitable for both adult and hatchlings Testudo graeca. We’ve only occasionally seen tortoises nibble at them but because they are well-made, the animals do not seem to be able to rip any pieces off. Some of the smaller succulent items feature tiny parts that may or may not break off. Use these smaller ones with caution. By using fake plant life, one can get very creative and construct a breathtaking enclosure for the tortoises without taking on the work of having to keep them alive. They can be glued or screwed to the side and/or base of a unit or weighed down with rocks. You can also drill a hole into the base followed by slipping the plant’s plastic stalk into it. This will anchor it in and the animals won’t be able to uproot it once the substrate is in place.

Testudo graeca marokkensis with fake plants indoors.

Protection From Predation
While outdoor housing has its great benefits, it also comes with one major set-back. Predators are a very real issue for tortoises living outside without the protection of a home or building. Raccoons are of course the number one threat to outdoor tortoise collections but mink, rats, voles, coyote, fox, raptors and even ferrel dogs and cats are all potential killers. Crows in particular learn to recognize nesting female tortoises and will rapidly make a meal out of the eggs as they are being laid. Skunks and fox love to unearth tortoise nests and devour the eggs. Most attacks from predators occur at night or when the keeper leaves for several days. Some of these animals are highly intelligent and able to learn quickly when a human’s presence is no longer near. Raccoons have been known to annihilate a group or collection of tortoises in just one night, so it is especially important to have methods in place to deter them. Even very large Testudo graeca ibera may be at risk to them. Voles love to eat baby tortoises and although rare, raptors such as hawks, eagles and owls have been reported to make off with one they can easily carry in their talons. We prefer to house the vast majority of our Testudo tortoise collection outside year-round, so we have made sure to equip the entire property with not one, but several predator deterrents. It’s unclear which of these methods works best because we always have all of them in place at the same time, but the absolute truth is that animals are staying out of our pens to date.

Electric fencing is a very effective method. We use American Farm Works electric fence controllers with 1.2 output joules that are good for 30 miles. This emits a painful, powerful shock. These systems are easy to install, just ask any Tractor Supply employee or google it. Both AC and solar powered units are available. Our fences are turned on at sundown and turned off at sunrise. The wire is run at a specific height and distance from the enclosure so that an animal must hit it if it tries to enter. As a father with young children, I recommend making sure the fence is shut off before allowing them anywhere near it. Some people have asked us questions like, “Isn’t the electric fence kinda harsh on the animals that might try to come in?” My answer is, “Umm, yes, that’s the point.”
We choose to keep these tortoises, therefore we should vow to protect them through any measure possible.

Testudo graeca anamurensis in a safe, outdoor enclosure.

Yard Sentinel makes an interesting product that acts as an ultrasonic pest repeller. These small green units are mounted on a tree or enclosure wall at different heights depending on what you want to repel. For raccoons, we mount them roughly 15” from the ground and for raptors, 8 to 12 feet high. On the back of the unit

 

[Znass]

Jordanian Greek?
If so, our member @Gillian M also lives in Jordan and also has a Greek tortoise.
Let's ask her what she feeds her tort, OLI.

Yesss that would be so helpful !

 

[Maggie3fan]

@ZEROPILOT @Tom @zovick hopefully an expert will be able to help you. Pretty tortoise!

Looks like a Greek to me, but wait for an expert to help...Did you looks at photos to try to find what species your tort is?

 

[Lyn W]

Hi and welcome,
I think it looks like one of the Mediterranean/Temperate species and if so this is the up to date caresheet you need which covers all aspects of care including diet, temps and substrate etc.

The Best Way To Raise Any Temperate Species Of Tortoise

I chose the title of this care sheet very carefully. Are there other ways to raise babies and care for adults? Yes. Yes there are, but those ways are not as good. What follows is the BEST way, according to 30 years of research and experimentation with hundreds of babies of many species. What is...

tortoiseforum.org

You have to introduce new foods gradually so feed what he likes but chop up some of the new 'good' food quite small and if you wet the leaves they'll stick together so he can't avoid it. Gradually increase the better food and decrease the lettuce.
Thanks for giving this little one a better life, he was probably wild caught