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Species profile · Testudinidae

Testudo graeca

Complete care sheet and morph genetics registry for the spur-thighed tortoise — husbandry parameters, diet, breeding and pairing calculator.

Greek TortoiseMoorish TortoiseTortue mauresqueTortue grecqueMaurische Landschildkröte
Adult size
12–30 cm
Lifespan
60–100 yrs
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperament
Docile
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Oviparous
01

Husbandry requirements

Spur-thighed Tortoise — origin: Mediterranean basin: North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya), southern Spain, the Balkans, Turkey and the Near/Middle East..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min15 °C
Cool side18–24 °C
Warm side28–32 °C
Basking spot35–40 °C

A heliophilic species requiring a genuine hot spot under a lamp. The night-time drop is beneficial. Healthy adults: brumation (hibernation) for 2-3 months at 4-10 °C; NEVER hibernate a sick, thin, dehydrated animal or a first-year juvenile without a veterinary check-up.

Enclosure (adult)
200 × 100 × 40 cm

Planted, sunny outdoor pen (ideal) or an indoor tortoise table

The outdoors is strongly recommended for a good part of the year; the dimensions given are an indoor minimum for one adult, to be enlarged for the large forms (ibera) and for any cohabitation. A partially buried fence (a burrowing and climbing species) and a dry shelter are mandatory. Avoid closed, humid vivariums.

Humidity
40–60 %

A Mediterranean to arid climate, so a rather dry, well-ventilated environment. Juveniles nonetheless need a humid hide and regular baths to limit pyramiding. Avoid stagnant, cold humidity (respiratory risk).

Substrate
Topsoil / fertiliser-free compostRiver sand (as a mix)Hay or straw as a surface layer

A loose earth-sand mix, deep enough to dig in. Avoid dusty substrates, resinous wood shavings and pure sand (risk of intestinal impaction).

UVB
Optional

Essential: a high-output UVB tube or lamp (10-12 % type / Ferguson zone 3-4), replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Direct, unfiltered sunlight outdoors remains the best source.

Water source
Always available

A shallow dish of clean water available at all times. Regular lukewarm baths (especially for juveniles) for hydration and gut transit; prevent dehydration.

Origin
Testudinidae

Mediterranean basin: North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya), southern Spain, the Balkans, Turkey and the Near/Middle East.

02

Feeding & health

Diet

Strict herbivore — None — animal protein must be avoided

Fibrous, calcium-rich wild plants: dandelion, plantain, clover (in moderation), thistles, mallow, mulberry leaves, timothy hay. A high Ca:P ratio is essential; cuttlebone ad libitum and calcium supplementation. Avoid fruit, water-laden vegetables, excess brassicas, rich pellets and any animal protein (risks of urinary stones, abnormal growth and pyramiding).

Breeding
Oviparous

Clutch 4–15 eggs/young. Several clutches per season are possible; incubation ~55-90 days with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). PROTECTED SPECIES: listed in Annex A of the EU regulation (CITES Appendix II) — keeping, transfer and breeding are strictly regulated, mandatory documents (intra-EU certificate / CITES). Taking from the wild is prohibited; wild individuals are stressed and often carry parasites and herpesvirus (TeHV).

Health watch points
  • Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from calcium or UVB deficiency
  • Herpesvirus (TeHV) and respiratory infections / runny nose syndrome (RNS)
  • Shell pyramiding (abnormal growth linked to diet and humidity)
  • Internal parasites (pinworms, flagellates), especially in wild individuals
  • Bladder stones (urolithiasis) linked to dehydration or excess protein
03

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 3 documented genes for Spur-thighed Tortoise.

  • Hypomelanistic / High Yellow golden phaseDom
  • Albino (T-) amelanisticRec
  • Scute AnomaliesDom
04

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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Spur-thighed Tortoise × Spur-thighed Tortoise

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

GeneParent AParent B
Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.
05

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the spur-thighed tortoise.

How big does an adult Spur-thighed Tortoise get?▾
An adult Spur-thighed Tortoise typically measures 12–30 cm (size varies greatly by subspecies: from small forms (t. g. nabeulensis ~12-15 cm) to large forms (t. g. ibera up to 25-30 cm). females are often larger than males.).
What temperature and humidity does a Spur-thighed Tortoise need?▾
A gradient of roughly 18–24 °C on the cool side to 28–32 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 35–40 °C. Humidity 40–60 %.
What does a Spur-thighed Tortoise eat?▾
Strict herbivore: None — animal protein must be avoided.
Is the Spur-thighed Tortoise a good reptile for beginners?▾
Intermediate level. Generally docile and easy to handle, but males can be aggressive during the breeding season (harassing and biting females and other individuals). Some North African populations are shy and very sensitive to stress. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 60–100 yrs.

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