This is golden brown with two dark stripes on the underside (plastron). Males have longer and thicker tails but are much smaller than females. Female Hermann’s tortoises can reach 10 inches in length and males average just 5 inches.

These turtles originate from Europe and can be found from southern France to Italy, Greece and Turkey. Unfortunately, much of their natural habitat has been lost due to deforestation and urbanization of the arid grasslands and scrub slopes where they originate.

Hermann’s tortoise is a strong and hardy creature, but needs a dry, sunny outdoor enclosure if possible. Although this species is more moisture tolerant than the Russian or Horsfield’s tortoise, it will not be happy in a humid environment. Since they can grow to over 10 inches, they will also require a considerable area to live. A small rabbit hutch will not be enough and neither will a glass vivarium!

These species of tortoises like to hibernate in the winter given the right circumstances and depending on their location. (If your pet is unwell, don’t let it hibernate, as it could die when hibernating. If you’re unsure, ask your vet.)

Hermann’s tortoise is a herbivore and eats fleshy vegetables and some soft fruits. They are known to eat small insects in the wild and can if you have an outdoor enclosure for yours to live in.

Breeding this species can be successful if you understand its needs. Eggs are laid in clutches of three to five and should be incubated at 91 degrees and 80 percent humidity. After 60 to 70 days, the baby Hermann’s tortoises will emerge and then the hard work begins!