This is a truly ancient species. In general, turtles are a species whose origin is really remote, since they may have already been there before humans.
The Mediterranean tortoise is believed to have been introduced to the Italian peninsula by humans in the Neolithic period. These used it mainly as food, although later it began to be appreciated as a pet. It was also useful as a source of resources, since its shells were widely used to make all kinds of ornaments and instruments. In this tab of our site we present the characteristics, conservation status and feeding of the Mediterranean tortoise.
Characteristics of the Mediterranean tortoise
The Mediterranean tortoise is characterized by being one of the small land tortoises. An adult specimen is usually around700 grams weight, although in the case of females, the weight is much higher and can reach 2 kilograms. That is, there is a marked sexual dimorphism. In addition to being smaller in size, the males have a longer and wider tail at the base, presenting a developed horny sheath.
Something curious is that the color and size depend fundamentally on the region where the turtle lives, and there is great variability in this regard. Generally, the Mediterranean tortoise has a brown background, which can be more or less intense or olive green, with spots ranging from yellow to light brown superimposed on this background.
It is known by the vast majority of the population that turtles are truly long-lived animals. In the case of the Mediterranean tortoise, it is not difficult to find specimens that have far exceeded a hundred years.
Mediterranean tortoise habitat
Mediterranean tortoises are scattered throughout the Mediterranean coast. Arriving from Spain, to countries throughout Europe such as France, Italy, Croatia, Macedonia, Bulgaria or Romania, among others.
In general, Mediterranean tortoises can be found in all areas where the climate is Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers. This is where they They develop scrub forests and low vegetation, where they take shelter and from where they obtain food.
Reproduction of the Mediterranean tortoise
Turtles are oviparousanimals, this means that they reproduce by laying eggs This spawning is carried out in holes that the female digs in the ground. A Mediterranean tortoise is not sexually mature until she is 9 years old, after which the female makes about 2-3 clutches per year.
These clutches are normally carried out in spring, with the number of eggs per clutch varying significantly. These eggs are incubated by the female between 2 and 3 months. Something really curious is that the sex of the turtles is not determined by genes, but by environmental conditions. When temperatures are higher than 31.5 degrees,there are higher rates of females, while if they are lower, males predominate.
When the hatchlings hatch, they break open the egg using a horny, beak-like tubercle that they lose as they grow. They take between 40-48 hours to hatch, as during this time they absorb nutrients from the yolk sac.
Mediterranean tortoise feeding
Mediterranean tortoises have the peculiarity of carrying out hibernation That is, during the cold months they bury themselves and remain underground until the climate does not become more benign, because it will not be until then when it can feed properly.
This diet is based on the consumption of foods of plant origin In other words, they are herbivorous reptiles although they can consumeinsects or carrion very punctually. Their diet usually consists of consuming seeds, herbs, vegetables and flowers, but never fruits , as their sugars would damage their gastric system considerably.
If we have one of these tortoises as a pet, we must provide them with a diet rich in greens, leaves and vegetables. But as we have said, no fruit. In addition, we must ensure many hours of sunlight daily. Well, like other reptiles, they need your light and heat to function.
Conservation status of the Mediterranean tortoise
Despite the fact that until recently this species was one of the most stable, since only a few of its populations were in danger, in recent years these populations have decreased considerably. This is mainly due to the action of humans.
Many of the problems that the Mediterranean tortoise has to deal with as a species are caused by humans. Some of the most important are the destruction of their habitats or the lack of food due to deforestation and the same destruction of the environment.
For these reasons, the species is currently threatened. That is why we have to become aware of how human beings are acting and how this affects so many species, including the Mediterranean tortoise.
