Greek Tortoise

Mediterranean Spur Thigh Tortoise

Testudo graeca

Description

Greek tortoises are small, diurnal, variably colored animals. They first got the name Greek due to their markings, rather than their origin and many breeding colonies trace their ancestry to Turkey rather than Greece. Their colors range from yellow to olive to brown, with dark splotches in the middle of each scute on the carapace. In “golden” Greek tortoises these dark splotches are absent or muted, giving the tortoise a uniformly yellow or golden appearance. There are several recognized subspecies, with most adults seldom larger than 7-8 inches (17-20 centimeters), but one (T. g. ibera) can be nearly twice that size. They can live over 100 years.

Natural Habitat

Greek tortoises have a gargantuan range, spanning over three continents. They are found in parts of Asia (Turkey, southern Russia, Azerbaijan, western Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Jordan), Africa (the northern portions of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libia) and Europe (the south of Spain, Italy, and Greece and on many of the Mediterranean islands). Within this range it is found in grasslands, steppes, hillsides, forest habitats and even agriculturally disturbed lands. They like areas of moderate humidity and moisture.

Artificial Habitat

Provided adequate shelter and warmth, Greek tortoises can be kept outside in many parts of the United States. Like Russian tortoises, Greek tortoises will dig, so any outside enclosure should have walls that are buried at least 12-inches (30 centimeters) below the surface, with 18-inches (45 centimeters) being recommended. It is equally important to secure outdoor pens from predators. In spite of their shells, tortoises can fall prey to any number of predators, including, but not limited to weasels, raccoons, dogs, coyotes, alligators, and raptors). Tops and/or electric fencing can be used. The enclosure should provide a shallow (about two inches deep, or shallow enough that the tortoise can raise its head out of the water if it is in the bowl) water bowl. Hiding places such as logs, scrap lumber, secured rocks (make sure they cannot move and crush your tortoise) should also be provided. Although they are certainly more tolerant of moisture than Russians, Greek tortoises should not be in perpetually damp surroundings. Subsequently, any outdoor enclosure should have good drainage. They like to bask and should be given adequate access to sunlight or an artificial basking area. An outdoor flood or spot light can be used to raise ambient temperatures. Basking areas should be at least 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Nighttime temperatures should not fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time.

If kept indoors, Greek tortoises require spacious accommodations and aquariums are not recommended. All but the largest aquariums are too small and the glass can be confusing for the tortoises. An enclosure of at least 2 feet by 4 feet (.6-1.2 meters) should be provided for an adult Greek tortoise. UVA/UVB and basking lights should be provided. This can be accomplished easily with one of the many commercially available basking lights with UV, or by using a spot/flood light in conjunction with a fluorescent UV bulb. The basking area should be between 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit with a temperature gradient that allows a drop of 10-15 degrees on the opposing side. Indoor nighttime ambient temperatures should be adequate under all but the most extreme conditions.

Diet

Greek tortoises are mostly herbivorous, but will also eat lightly moistened dry foods (such as dog, cat or monkey chows). Under no circumstances should this or any other high-protein food be offered more than once a week to 10 days. Too much protein can lead to rapid growth and bone disease. Greek tortoises should be feed a variety of dark leafy greens (such as kale, spinach, endive, romaine lettuce, escarole, and mustard and collared greens). Avoid iceburg lettuce except as a supplement for hydration as it has little nutritional value. Greek tortoises also enjoy most grasses, weeds and flowers, but care should be taken to make sure they are collected in pesticide/herbicide-free areas. They are attracted to the color red and will eat most red fruits, including, but not limited to: apples, grapes, watermelon and tomatoes. Their food should be supplemented with an appropriate vitamin/mineral dust.

Caveats

Greek tortoises are extraordinarily long lived as most reptile pets go. A commitment to a Greek tortoise is likely to be longer than most people will live. Furthermore, Greek tortoises require a fair amount of space to be happy. Also, although many of these animals are now captive bred, occasionally imported animals are available, providing the opportunity for potential parasite problems.

Greek tortoises, like many tortoises need to be able to estivate/hibernate for several months out of the year. If you are keeping your tortoise in a large outside enclosure, it will likely burrow in and take care of this necessity itself. With indoor enclosures, it is necessary to make provisions for this natural behavior. See the link labeled “Hibernation Tips” for more information.