Latest Spur-thighed Tortoise Stories
Populations of spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca), a species classified as vulnerable and at risk of extinction, can withstand fires if outbreaks occur once every three decades or more. However, the youngest tortoises are more vulnerable, and disappear after each fire. These are the results of a study by Spanish researchers, who analyzed the impact of a 2004 forest fire in the Sierra de la Carrasquilla mountains in Murcia (Spain) on these reptiles."Tortoises can withstand high...
Latest Spur-thighed Tortoise Reference Libraries
The Marginated Tortoise, Testudo marginata, is a species of Mediterranean tortoise found in southern Greece, from the Peloponnesus to Mount Olympus. They are also found in isolated zones of the Balkans and Italy, with a somewhat broader range in northeastern Sardinia. They prefer mountainous regions in elevations over 5,250 feet high. It is the largest European tortoise, reaching a weight of up to 11 pounds and a length of 14 inches. Its shell is oblong and has a notable thickness around...
The Egyptian Tortoise, Testudo kleinmanni, is a critically endangered tortoise. They live in deserts and semi-desert habitats, usually with compact sand and gravel plains, scattered rocks, shallow, sandy wades, dry woodlands, shrubby areas, and coastal salt marsh habitats. They were once widespread throughout Egypt, but now can only be found in Libya. Extinction is inevitable unless conversation actions are taken. The shell is usually very bright ranging from ivory and pale to gold which...
The Russian Tortoise, Horsfield's Tortoise or Central Asian Tortoise, Testudo horsfieldii, is a species of tortoise that is named after the American naturalist Thomas Horsfield. The Russian Tortoise ranges from Afghanistan to north western China, through the countries of Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Baluchistan. It usually lives in dry areas with sparse vegetation. Russian Tortoises are a small tortoise...
The Greek Tortoise, Testudo graeca, is one of four European member of the Testudinidae family of tortoises. The other members of the family are Herman's Tortoise, Marginated Tortoise, and Horsfield's Tortoise. There are six noticeable differences between males and females of the Greek Tortoise. Males have a longer tail that tapers to an even point. The anal cavity opening is farther from the base of the tail on the male. The male's underbelly is somewhat curved, while females have a flat...
