Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni)

🧬 1. Taxonomy and natural classification

Scientific name: Testudo hermanni (genus Testudo)

Belongs to the family Testudinidae (tortoise family)

It is a terrestrial tortoise living in the temperate to subtropical zone of Europe

📌 Two main forms ("subspecies")

Within the species, two subspecies are commonly distinguished, which differ in appearance, size and availability:

Subspecies Appearance / characteristics Availability
Testudo hermanni hermanni (western Hermann's tortoise) smaller, distinctive yellow-black coloration, decorative rarer in captivity and nature
Testudo hermanni boettgeri (eastern Hermann's tortoise) larger, less contrasting coloration, more robust more common in captivity

Some populations between these two are considered variations, e.g. the so-called Dalmatian tortoise (hercegovinensis), which is sometimes distinguished in practice, but is generally considered a variation within T. h. boettgeri.

🔍 2. What it looks like
🐢 External features

Short, strong limbs with rough scales on the legs.

Oval to dome-shaped carapace with a pattern of yellow-brown and black, often with pronounced stripes or spots.

Sexual dimorphism: females usually larger, with a flatter carapace, males have a longer and thicker tail part and a concave plastron (lower part of the carapace) for mating.

They have a small "spike" at the end of the tail, typical of this species.

💡 Size:
Western forms usually grow to about 15–20 cm, eastern ones can be larger (fully adult up to ~28 cm).

📍 3. Origin and natural habitat

Yellow-bellied tortoises originally inhabit southern Europe - mainly sunny, moderately dry areas with low vegetation:

🌿 Mediterranean shrublands, grassy slopes and Roman pastures, rocky slopes and pastures.

In winter, in natural conditions, they often hibernate (so-called brumation), hidden in underground burrows or under leaves when temperatures drop.

🍽️ 4. Diet and nutrition

These tortoises are strictly herbivorous:

✅ grassy and edible herbs (dandelion, blisterwort, clover, hibiscus)
✅ various grasses and leaves
✅ occasionally a small amount of edible flowers

❌ high protein content, lots of fruit or commercial mixes can cause health problems.

💧 Water and hydration:
Turtles should be regularly immersed in shallow warm water (sometimes 3–4 times a week) to prevent dehydration and kidney problems.

⚠️ Important: Although it is often said that "a dry environment is ideal", in fact, adequate substrate moisture and regular showering/immersion help prevent shell deformation (so-called pyramiding).

☀️ 5. Environmental and breeding requirements
🏡 Environment

Outdoor enclosure (ideal):

a secure fence with at least 30 cm below the ground to prevent escape.

various terrain elements: stones, flat rocks, vegetation.

parts with sun and shade.

Indoor enclosure:

large enough - ideally min. 8×4 feet for an adult turtle.

UVB light 12–14 hours a day – essential for vitamin D3 production and calcium absorption.

daytime temperatures ~26–35 °C with a cooler resting spot.

The substrate should be safe for deep digging and not knocked over to eat to prevent blockage of the digestive tract.

🧠 6. Nature and behavior

💡 Temperament:
They are generally calm, shy and independent creatures. They are not "pets" like dogs or cats – interaction is more marginal and most individuals do not like too much handling.

🐾 They will be more out of their shell when there is comfort, food or sunshine. Otherwise they like to hide in shelters.

Smart and oriented:
They have a good orientation instinct – they know "their" space outdoors and often return to favorite places.

⚠️ During mating, aggression may occur between males or between males and females - biting, pulling or rolling over is normal pair behavior.

🩺 7. Health conditions and common health problems
🩹 Common health risks
Problem Cause / symptoms Prevention / solution
Metabolic bone disease UVB/calcium deficiency → weak bones, deformities correct UVB, calcium, vitamins
Respiratory infections low temperatures and humid environment → hissing, discharge warm, drier environment, vet
Parasites (internal and external) poor hygiene regular checks and cleaning
Pyramidation of the shell low humidity, improper diet adequate humidity, hydration
Shell rot / damage to the shell injuries or unclean environment clean environment and veterinary care
🎯 8. Choosing a turtle - what to look out for
🧠 When buying or adopting:

🔎 Origin: Prefer legally from a breeder, not wild-caught animals. Testudo hermanni is regulated by CITES and some populations are endangered.
🔎 Health: smooth, solid shell, clear eyes, clear airways – these are good signs.
🔎 Size and age: young are a bit easier to care for, older individuals already have established behavior and health factors.
🔎 Understand breeding: Make sure you have a suitable enclosure, UVB light and time for care.

📊 9. Advantages and disadvantages of breeding
✅ Advantages

relatively small size – suitable even for smaller spaces

long life – can be a lifelong companion

attractive appearance, undemanding diet compared to many other exotics