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ReptileTerrestrialEasy
Greek Tortoise (Spur-thighed) (*T. g. ibera* (Asia Minor Tortoise))
Testudo graeca
Morph *T. g. ibera* (Asia Minor Tortoise). The 'Greek Tortoise'. Extraordinary and very common terrestrial tortoise (8 inches), notorious for its monstrous resistance to the arid heat of North Africa and the Middle East. There are dozens of different subspecies (Ibera, Nabeulensis), each adapted to a slightly different climate. Less tolerant of humidity than Hermann's, it is a perfect desert herbivorous machine for very dry climates.
Class:Testudines
Order:Testudines
Family:Testudinidae
Genus:Testudo
Species:Testudo graeca*
* *T. g. ibera* (Asia Minor Tortoise)
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
40 - 60 %
Day temperature
26 - 32 °C
Night temperature
18 - 22 °C
Adult size
18.5 cm
UVB
High
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the Mediterranean basin, spanning Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Inhabits arid environments, coastal scrublands, sandy dunes, Mediterranean maquis, and sunny pastures with sparse shrub vegetation.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belongs to the order Testudines, family Testudinidae. Comprises several described subspecies displaying genetic and geographic variation. It is protected under CITES Appendix I.
Behavior and Habits: Diurnal and ectothermic animal that regulates its temperature through sun basking. In the wild, it undergoes winter hibernation (usually from November to March) to escape low temperatures, and sometimes estivation during the hottest summer months.
Morphology: The carapace is domed and oval-shaped, colored yellow-olive or beige with irregular black spots on each scute. A characteristic feature is the horny spur present on the back of each thigh, which is absent in similar species like Testudo hermanni. Can reach 20-25 cm in length.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Requires very large outdoor enclosures exposed to sunlight with shaded areas. If kept in an indoor terrarium (only temporarily for young specimens), the enclosure must measure at least 150x80 cm with a substrate of unfertilized soil and peat moss mixed with sand.
Lighting and Heating: Requires high-output UVB solar lamps (10%) and a heating spot lamp to create a basking spot at 30-32°C, with a daytime ambient temperature of 24-26°C and nighttime temperature not lower than 18°C.
Humidity and Hydration: Humidity should be maintained between 40% and 60%. A shallow, heavy water dish must always be available to allow the tortoise to drink and partially soak without risking flipping over or drowning.
Feeding and Supplementation: Strictly herbivorous diet, high in fiber and calcium, and low in protein. Feed weeds (dandelion, plantain, clover, mallow) and chicory. Supplement with pure calcium carbonate three times a week and strictly avoid fruit and protein-rich foods.
Compatibility: Best kept individually or in small harem groups (one male and multiple females). Avoid keeping multiple males in the same space, as they are territorial and can engage in violent fights or constantly harass females.
Health and Common Diseases: Prone to metabolic bone disease (MBD) if calcium or UVB light is deficient. Other risks include respiratory infections caused by cold drafts or excessive humidity, and intestinal parasites requiring periodic fecal exams.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Native to the Mediterranean basin, spanning Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Inhabits arid environments, coastal scrublands, sandy dunes, Mediterranean maquis, and sunny pastures with sparse shrub vegetation.
Origin
Selective breeding and cultivarsNorth AmericaAfrica and MadagascarEurope, Mediterranean, and West AsiaCosmopolitan or introduced
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 18.5 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 18.5 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 18.5 cm for this species, recorded as straight carapace length (SCL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
