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A Brief History of Mediterranean Tortoises

Importation of Mediterranean tortoises into the UK and other countries began in the 1890's. Between then and 1984 (when the trade stopped) it is estimated that the total number of importations, into the UK alone, was in excess of 10 million animals.

Most of them were Mediterranean Spur-thighed tortoises from North Africa. These unfortunate creatures were caught in their native country, stuffed into crates, sacks and boxes to be dispatched on a long and agonising journey to be sold in pet shops throughout Europe. Many were dead on arrival and others were sick, injured or weakened badly. Of the ones that were actually sold it is estimated that only 10% survived their first year of captivity. ie, from 100 sold only 10 survived.

After the Second World War, stocks in North Africa were dwindling and so attention was turned to the hardier East European tortoises, such as the Hermann's and Marginated Species. Again, these were imported in the same conditions as before with little thought for their welfare.

In some countries, tortoises are still captured and killed to make souvenirs for tourists, such as these "tortoise banjos" from Morocco. Please, please never be tempted to buy this sort of thing when on holiday. By doing so you are condoning the slaughter of these animals.

In 1984 a ban was imposed. The EEC Council agreed to treat three species of tortoise (Spur-thighed, Hermann's and Marginated) according to Appendix 1 of the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This prohibited the commercial trade in these species and meant that they were completely protected.

Mediterranean tortoises can still be obtained, however, as they are bred successfully in captivity. It must be pointed out, however, that for the sale, barter or exchange of these tortoises a licence is required from the relavent authority. In UK this is the Department of The Environment: residents of other countries should check who their relevant authority is.

Species of Mediterranean Tortoise

Mediterranean tortoises consist of the following species:

1. Spur-Thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca) - four subspecies are recognised.




• Mediterranean Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca graeca).
  Found in Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya.
• Asia Minor Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera).
  Found in Central Balkans to the Black Sea, Turkey, USSR to Iran.
• Middle Eastern Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca terrestris)
  Found in Syria, Israel and Sinai.
• Iranian Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca zarudnyi).
  Found in eastern and southern Iran.




2. Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) - two subspecies are recognised.




• Western Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni hermanni)
  Found in Balearic Islands, southern France to Western Italy.
• Eastern Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri).
  Found in western Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania to former Yugoslavia, Greece, Albania and southern Italy.




3. Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata).
   Found in limited areas of Greece plus some offshore islands.
   




4. Horsfield's Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldi) - two subspecies are recognised.




• Central Asian Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldi horsfieldi).
  Found in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan to western Xinjiang, China.
• Kazakhstan Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldi kazakhstanica).
  Found in Kazakhstan and Turkmeniya.




5. Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni).
   Found in North Africa from Libya to southern Israel, Egypt (restricted to Suez Canal region and northwestern deserts of the Nile Delta).

Click here to see pictures of the various species.