Testudo graeca terrestris

"Golden Greek", or Middle-Eastern Spur-thigh Tortoise

Distribution: Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

Empire Stock: WC exported from Lebanon

Size: Up to 17 cm.

Habitat: Dry scrub and open areas.

Diet: Dandelion, Sow Thistle, Chickweed, romaine, and grasses. Edible Plants

Sexing: Males have longer thicker tails.

Breeding: The smaller males are persistent suitors, ramming the females ad nauseum.  In small enclosures, you may need to separate the males as they can stress out the females and each other.

Clutch sizes in our group have tended to be 2-3 eggs. Incubation is similar to that for other Testudo species.

Temperature-dependent Sex Determination.

Notes: The entire complex of Testudo greaca is in need of some clarification. There is a lot of variation in this species and within individual populations. Some authors don't consider terrestris a valid name, but these animals match the description of tortoises found in nearby Syria, which are referred to as terrestris by many authors.

This species does not tolerate wet conditions. They can take some cold, but cold and wet will kill them quick.

Care Sheets: WCT

"Golden Greeks"

Nesting.

Our first hatchling.

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