Download Common Name - Potter Park Zoo

Mediterranean (Greek) spur-thighed tortoise
Family:
Testudinidae
Range:
Eastern Europe
Habitat:
Diet:
(Testudo ibera)
Status: Vulnerable
Semi-arid scrub and Mediterranean forest. Prefer areas with large amounts of
vegetation.
Wild: Omnivorous, though it mainly feeds on plant matter, dark leafy greens/weeds
such as mallows, dandelions and various legumes. They have been seen to eat
insects such as slugs or grubs. Captivity: Hay, pelletized tortoise food, nonsucculent greens such as kale.
Description: Females are slightly larger than males, with an average size of about 8 inches.
Males average around 7 inches. They have a central areola and anterior banding.
Those living at higher elevations may be entirely black. They have large
symmetrical markings on top of the head, large scales on the front legs, and spurs
on each thigh.
Lifespan: 75-100 years.
Reproduction: Mating begins after awaking from hibernation. The males will follow the females
with great interest, encircling them, biting them in the limbs, ramming them, and
trying to mount them. A successful mating will allow the female to lay eggs multiple
times. Before laying eggs, the female will dig in the dirt, and even taste it, to
decide on the proper spot to lay eggs. One or two days before egg laying, the
female becomes aggressive and dominant. She takes on the characteristics of a
male to gain respect, so she is not disturbed while laying her eggs.
Behavior: They are diurnal and are mostly active during the day. They spend the days
grazing and retreat to burrows at night. They may not return to the same burrows
every night. They find one that is close by or they will make a new one.
Our animals: 3 animals. 1 male, 2 unknown. All confiscated by the USFWS at the Detroit
Airport.
09/08