single-project-img-1
  • Common name:

    Hermann's tortoise
  • ESF category:

    B
  • IUCN category:

    Endangered
  • CITES:

    INT - Appendix II
    EU - Appendix A
  • Registered animals:

    21
  • Studbook coordinators:

    Koen Boogaerts
    Floris Visser
  • Register your animals

    To register your animals or if you have other questions, please contact the studbook coordinator.

Species Description

Hermann's tortoises are small to medium-sized tortoises from southern Europe. Young animals, and some adults, have attractive black and yellow-patterned carapaces, although the brightness may fade with age to a less distinct gray, straw, or yellow coloration. They have slightly hooked upper jaws and, like other tortoises, possess no teeth,[4] just strong, horny beaks. Their scaly limbs are greyish to brown, with some yellow markings, and their tails bear a spur (a horny spike) at the tip. Adult males have particularly long and thick tails, and well-developed spurs, distinguishing them from females.