Are Greek tortoises rare?

You may be surprised. 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.

How long can a Greek tortoise live?

They’re generally easygoing pets, as long as owners meet their specific care needs. However, because these pet tortoises have a lifespan in captivity often of 50 years or longer, prospective owners should think long and hard about whether they want to commit to caring for an animal that could easily outlive them.

How fast does a Greek tortoise grow?

They can grow rapidly when overfed and reports of them reaching 4 inches in less than two years is common, but not recommended.

What do Moroccan tortoises eat?

Mediterranean tortoises in the wild consume mainly flowers, stalks, and green leaves. They rarely encounter fruit, and never encounter tinned dog food, ice-cream, bread, pizza, cheese, cakes or some of the other bizarre “treats” some people seem to think they should be offered.

Are Greek tortoises friendly?

Greek Tortoises’ Temperament and Behaviour Though the Greek tortoise is friendly and easy-going, they do not like to be held. They should be picked up only when necessary, like during enclosure cleaning, and health check-ups. They will only interact when they see you with their food! Not so much of a cuddly type.

Do Greek Tortoises hibernate?

Tortoises that do naturally hibernate include Russian tortoises (also known as the Horsfield tortoise, or Agrionemys horsfieldii or Testudo horsfieldii), spur-thighed tortoise (also known as the Greek tortoise, Testudo graeca), Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni), marginated tortoise (Testudo marginata) These are …

Do tortoises recognize their owners?

Tortoises are affectionate creatures, and they readily recognise their owners.

How often should my Greek tortoise eat?

The greek tortoise is strictly herbivorous. They require a high fiber, low protein and calcium rich diet. Dark leafy greens such as kale, dandelion, mustard, collard and turnip greens should be fed regularly, and spring mix can be fed up to 3-4 days per week.

How long can a Greek tortoise go without eating?

In general, a healthy adult tortoise can live for as much as 6 months to 3 years without food, provided that they have access to drinking water and their other needs are met.

Can Greek tortoises swim?

Another name for the Greek tortoise is the spur-thighed tortoise, on account of the large conical tubercle on each thigh. Many species of tortoise, including this one, cannot swim and have to stay on land. Greek tortoises live longer than most other species of tortoise in existence today.

Can Greek tortoises eat bananas?

What fruit can tortoises eat? Bananas can be eaten, and cherries, in strict moderation. Always remember to remove the cherry stone beforehand. These fruits should only be offered in moderation as part of a mixed diet to rainforest species such as the Red footed tortoise and Yellow footed tortoise.

Do Greek tortoises swim?

What kind of animal is a Greek 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.

How big does a Greek tortoise get at hatching?

At hatching, most Greek tortoises are no more than an inch in length. They can grow rapidly when overfed and reports of them reaching 4 inches in less than two years is common, but not recommended. Testudo graeca subspecies are known to be some of the longest-lived of the tortoises. Reports suggest well into the 100s.

Where does the Testudo graeca tortoise live?

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.

Do you have to take care of a Greek tortoise?

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.