Hermanns tortoises

species of reptile

The Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni ) is a small to medium size species of tortoise.[1] They are native to southern Europe.[1] They also live in nearby islands in the Mediterranean Sea.[2] Their range is from Romania and Greece to southern Spain.[3] About 25% of them live on the Italian Peninsula.[3]

Hermann's tortoise on Mallorca

Hermann's tortoises are a golden brown color. They have two dark stripes on their underside or belly. They usually have black markings.[2] In size, they range from 120 millimetres (4.7 in) to 230 millimetres (9.1 in) in length.[3] Females are larger than males. They also become sexually mature sooner.[3] Their diet includes leaves, flowers and fruit.[4] It was a popular pet but are now a protected species.[4]

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 Michael J. Connor. "Hermann's Tortoise, Testudo hermanni". California Turtle & Tortoise Club. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Richard D. Bartlett; Patricia Pope Bartlett; Michele Earle-Bridges, Turtles and Tortoises (Hauppauge, NY: Barron's, 2006), p. 10
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Lindsey Lavender (2012). "Testudo hermanni Hermanns Tortoise". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Animals: A Visual Encyclopedia, Second Edition (New York: DK Publishing, 2011), p. 167