Common tortoise

The Greek tortoise, also known as the spur-thighed tortoise, is a member of the Testudinidae family and one of five species of Mediterranean tortoises. These tortoises can live extraordinarily long lives, with some individuals reaching up to 125 years, and possibly even 200 years. They inhabit regions of North Africa, Southern Europe, and Southwest Asia, and there are various subspecies that differ in size, weight, coloration, and shell shape.

Fossils of Greek tortoises have been discovered in Greece and Turkey, dating back to the Early Pliocene and Late and Middle Miocene epochs. Males and females can be distinguished by several physical characteristics. Regarding mating and reproduction, Greek tortoises engage in specific rituals, and females can lay eggs multiple times after successful mating.

Unfortunately, these tortoises are often traded illegally as pets in countries like Morocco and Spain. This illegal trade raises concerns about the sustainability of wild populations and the welfare of tortoises kept in captivity. In terms of diet, Greek tortoises are particularly fond of dandelion leaves and other leafy plants, but they should avoid lettuce as it lacks sufficient nutritional value.