Reptile
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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preySmall 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
Classification
- FamilyTestudinidae
- GenusTestudo
- 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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