Hermann's tortoise

Hermann's tortoise is a charming little reptile belonging to the genus *Testudo*. There are two primary subspecies: the western Hermann's tortoise (*Testudo hermanni hermanni*) and the eastern Hermann's tortoise (*Testudo hermanni boettgeri*). The name *hermanni* pays homage to the French naturalist Johann Hermann, while *boettgeri* honors the German herpetologist Oskar Boettger. These tortoises inhabit regions across southern Europe, each region hosting its own distinct populations.

Physically, Hermann's tortoises are recognized for their striking black and yellow-patterned shells. The eastern subspecies tends to be larger, growing up to 28 cm in length, compared to their western counterparts. A debate exists about reclassifying Hermann's tortoise into the genus *Eurotestudo*, but the current evidence is insufficient to justify the change. The varying rates of evolution across different populations add to the complexity of their classification.

In their natural habitat, Hermann's tortoises are most active in the mornings and late afternoons, delighting in basking in the sun and foraging for food. As winter approaches, they hibernate and reemerge in late February, ready for courtship and mating. Females lay their eggs from May to July, and these eggs take about 90 days to hatch. Remarkably, the temperature during incubation determines the sex of the hatchlings. Young tortoises are particularly vulnerable to predators until their shells fully harden.

For those considering keeping Hermann's tortoises as pets, it is crucial to create a suitable environment with proper lighting. Numerous sanctuaries in Europe are dedicated to caring for injured tortoises and unwanted pets. Domestic tortoises require hibernation as well, which involves maintaining a specific temperature for several months. In captivity, females can lay eggs year-round, usually in specially designed flask-shaped nests.