Hermann's Tortoise

Western Hermann's tortoise（圖片來源：Orchi，採用 CC BY-SA 3.0 授權）

The Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is a medium to small-sized terrestrial tortoise distributed across southern Europe, including Spain, southern France, Italy, the Balkan Peninsula, as well as Greece and Turkey. In the wild, it primarily inhabits Mediterranean-type environments such as forest edges, grasslands, and shrublands, and occasionally forages in hilly agricultural landscapes. Due to habitat loss and human disturbance, some populations have adapted to semi-open agricultural settings. These tortoises typically emerge from shelters in the early morning to bask in sunlight, then forage along grasslands or forest margins. During the midday heat, they retreat to shaded refuges and become active again in the afternoon. This diurnal rhythm, strongly governed by temperature, is characteristic of Mediterranean tortoise species.

Hermann's tortoises are highly recognizable in appearance, with a domed carapace. The western subspecies (T. h. hermanni), found in Spain, France, and Italy, exhibits vivid coloration, with strong contrast between yellow and black, and features two continuous black bands along the plastron. The eastern subspecies (T. h. boettgeri), distributed in Greece and Turkey, is generally larger, with more subdued coloration, often brownish-yellow or olive, and more fragmented dark markings on the plastron. In both subspecies, males possess a thicker and longer tail with a prominent horny spur at the tip, which serves as a key feature for sex differentiation. Adults typically measure 12 to 20 cm in length and may weigh up to 2–3 kg. They are long-lived animals, surviving several decades in the wild and potentially exceeding 70 years in captivity.

Their foraging behavior relies primarily on olfaction, allowing them to identify edible plants by scent. In natural habitats, they mainly consume a variety of wildflowers, herbaceous plants, and fallen leaves, occasionally supplementing their diet with small amounts of insects or snails, though they are predominantly herbivorous. Juveniles, whose shells are not yet fully hardened, are vulnerable to predation by animals such as foxes, wild boars, crows, and snakes, resulting in low survival rates during the early years. During winter, Hermann's tortoises enter brumation, burying themselves in leaf litter or soil while significantly reducing heart rate and respiration to survive cold months. Upon emerging in spring, they quickly begin courtship and mating. Females excavate nests in soil to lay eggs, which incubate for approximately three months. Hatchlings emerge either in autumn or the following spring.

Eastern Hermann's tortoise（圖片來源：Palauenc05，採用 CC BY-SA 4.0 授權）

Housing Requirements in Captivity

Replicating a Mediterranean-type climate is the most critical principle when establishing a captive environment. Hermann's tortoises are sun-loving and require prolonged exposure to sunlight and a dry habitat. Outdoor enclosures are ideal, particularly in regions with climates similar to the Mediterranean. The enclosure must be secured with sturdy fencing, buried at least several tens of centimeters underground, as tortoises are capable diggers and may escape. The habitat should include grassy areas for foraging, shrubs or small trees for shade, and structures such as rocks or logs to serve as shelters during high temperatures.

In colder or more humid regions, a spacious indoor enclosure is necessary. Indoor setups must include both heating and lighting systems. Suitable substrate consists of a mixture of sand and humus-rich soil, with sufficient depth to allow digging. A heat lamp should maintain daytime temperatures between 27 and 30°C, with a basking spot reaching approximately 35°C. Nighttime temperatures can drop to 18–20°C to simulate natural diurnal variation. Additionally, UVB lighting is essential for vitamin D3 synthesis, facilitating calcium absorption and preventing metabolic bone disease.

The environment should remain dry to avoid respiratory infections associated with prolonged humidity. A shallow water dish should be fixed at ground level, allowing easy access for drinking and soaking. Regular cleaning is essential, including daily removal of feces and periodic substrate replacement. If brumation is induced during winter, a container filled with dry leaves and soil may be prepared and kept at approximately 5°C, ensuring temperatures do not drop below freezing.

Feeding Conditions

Hermann's tortoises are primarily herbivorous, and their diet should consist of high-fiber, low-protein, and low-sugar plant-based foods. Ideal food sources include wild herbaceous plants such as dandelion, clover, chickweed, wild violets, lamb's quarters, and plantain, which closely resemble their natural diet. If wild plants are unavailable, suitable alternatives include leafy greens such as lettuce (in moderation), kale, arugula, water celery, and cilantro. To maintain nutritional balance, a variety of greens should be offered daily, avoiding a monotonous diet that may lead to deficiencies or metabolic imbalance.

Fruits may be offered occasionally as treats but must be limited due to their high sugar content, which can strain the digestive system. Examples include tomatoes, strawberries, and grapes. Legumes, potatoes, Chinese cabbage, and plants high in oxalates (such as spinach) should be avoided, as they may negatively affect kidney function and calcium metabolism. Commercial diets are not recommended as staple food, as they often contain excessive protein and additives, which may lead to shell deformities or organ disorders over time.

Feeding is typically performed once daily, preferably in the morning when tortoises are most active, allowing digestion to occur during the day. Food should be placed on a shallow dish rather than directly on the substrate to reduce ingestion of foreign materials. Juveniles require higher calcium intake during growth and may receive a light dusting of calcium powder daily, along with UVB exposure to aid absorption. Adults require supplementation only two to three times per week. In addition to a constant water source, tortoises may be soaked in shallow water several times per week to maintain hydration and stimulate excretion.

Breeding Conditions

In the wild, Hermann's tortoises begin reproductive activity after emerging from brumation, and similar patterns can be observed in captivity when environmental conditions are properly simulated. During spring, males may court females through chasing, ramming, and even biting, which necessitates sufficient space and hiding areas to reduce stress and injury to females. For breeding, a deep nesting area with moist sandy soil should be provided to facilitate egg-laying.

Females lay between 2 and 12 eggs per clutch and may produce multiple clutches within a single season. During artificial incubation, eggs must be carefully removed while maintaining their original orientation to prevent embryo damage. They should be placed in a moist but not waterlogged substrate and incubated at approximately 28–30°C. The incubation period typically ranges from 60 to 90 days. Temperature influences not only the rate of development but also sex determination: lower temperatures tend to produce males, while higher temperatures favor females. After hatching, juveniles should be kept in a secure, small enclosure with access to tender plant material and stable lighting conditions. During the first few years of life, their shells remain soft and highly vulnerable.

Before attempting breeding, keepers must carefully consider long-term housing and placement of offspring. Although small at birth, these tortoises are long-lived and grow slowly. Without proper planning, overproduction may lead to neglect or abandonment. Responsible breeding should be based on long-term commitment rather than curiosity or novelty.

Preventing Invasive Spread

Although native to Europe, Hermann's tortoise has been introduced to other regions due to its popularity in the pet trade. If released or abandoned in non-native environments, it may pose ecological risks, such as competing with native turtle species for habitat or transmitting diseases.

Keepers must adhere to the principle of never releasing or abandoning captive animals. If unable to continue care, individuals should contact licensed animal rescue organizations or transfer the animal to a suitable new keeper, rather than releasing it into the wild.

Tortoises are long-lived animals, and prospective owners must fully understand their lifespan and spatial requirements before acquiring one. Purchasing a juvenile due to its small size without long-term planning often leads to loss of interest as the animal matures, resulting in abandonment. Such actions are irresponsible. Keeping a pet requires commitment to proper care throughout its life, ensuring its well-being while also protecting the surrounding ecosystem.

Author: Shui-Ye You