Reptile · GBIF taxon 2441454
Hermann's Tortoise
Testudo hermanniHermann's Tortoise is a small Mediterranean tortoise with a domed yellow-and-black shell and sturdy scaled legs. It walks through scrub and open woodland, grazing low vegetation and sheltering during temperature extremes.
Mediterranean TortoiseTerrestrial GrazerDomed Shell
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Small invertebrates
Predators
- Wild boar
- Foxes
- Ravens
ThreatsHabitat loss, wildfire, road mortality, illegal collection, agricultural machinery, and introduced predators
HabitatsMediterranean scrub, open woodland, rocky slopes, grassland, dunes, and traditional farmland
Life spanLong-lived; many survive for several decades and some exceed 50 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTestudinidae
- SpeciesTestudo hermanni
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Wild tortoises can carry Salmonella; never handle, move, feed, or collect one.
- Why it is dangerous
- Wild tortoises can carry Salmonella bacteria without appearing ill and contaminate hands or nearby surfaces.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Confirm the domed yellow-and-black shell and paired dark plastron bands while keeping your distance.
- What to do
- Do not touch or relocate it; after accidental contact, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- What to notice
- A domed yellow-and-black shell, paired dark plastron bands, and a horny tail tip help distinguish it.
- Support conservation
- Do not touch, move, or remove a tortoise; observe quietly and conceal precise encounter locations.
Responsible observation
- Distance: Stop well back and allow the tortoise to choose its route.
- Roads: Contact trained local responders instead of relocating it yourself.
- Privacy: Generalize coordinates to reduce collection risk.
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