This is golden brown with two dark stripes on the underside (plastron). Males have longer, thicker tails but are much smaller than females. The female Hermann’s tortoise can reach 10 inches in length and males average just 5 inches.
These chelonians originate from Europe and can be found from southern France to Italy, Greece and Turkey. Unfortunately, much of their natural habitat has been lost to deforestation and urbanization of the barren grasslands and scrubby slopes where they originate.
Hermann’s tortoise is a strong and hardy creature, but it needs a sunny, dry outdoor enclosure if possible. Although this species is more tolerant of moisture than the Russian or Horsfield’s tortoise, it will not be happy in a humid environment. Since they can grow to over 10 inches, they will also require a considerable area to live in. A small rabbit hutch will not suffice and neither will a glass nursery!
These turtle species like to hibernate in the winter given the right circumstances and depending on their location. (If your pet is unwell, do not let them hibernate, as they could die while hibernating. If you are unsure, consult your vet.)
Hermann’s tortoise is a herbivore and eats meaty vegetables and some soft fruits. They have been known to eat small insects in the wild and may do so if you have an outside enclosure for yours to live in.
Breeding this species can be successful if you understand its needs. Eggs are laid in clutches of three to five and should be incubated at 91 degrees and 80 percent humidity. After 60 to 70 days the baby Hermann’s tortoises will emerge and then the hard work begins!