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Testudo graeca terrestris (Mesopotamian)

Where They Live in the Wild

Testudo graeca terrestris can be found in Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. Photo Map belongs to Lonely Planet.

    Jordan

    Adult Size

    Adult Size

    Adult Size

    Males grow about 5" (12 to 13 cm) and weigh 300-500 grams.


    Females grow to around 7" (17 to 18 cm) and weigh at least 1,000 grams.

    Diet

    Adult Size

    Adult Size

    High in fiber, rich in calcium, and low in protein. Weeds, broadleaf greens, flowers, optunia cactus and optunia fruit. Organic store-bought greens and Mazuri on occasion. No fruit - too high in sugars.

    Humidity

    Adult Size

    Description

    Very little humidity. Must be kept in a warm, dry habitat.

    Description

    Description

    Description

    The carapace is nearly fully orange-gold in color, with little black markings.

    Brumation

    Description

    Environment

    This subspecies does not brumate all winter but can slow down its activity for a few months. Adults can tolerate temperatures into the low 40s (Farenheit), if they remain completely dry. A warm overnight hide should be provided so that the tortoise can use it if desired.

    Environment

    Description

    Environment

    Hot, dry, sandy desert. This subspecies is sensitive and cannot tolerate wet conditions for long periods of time. They can handle cooler temperatures as long as the environment remains dry.

    Jordan Photo Gallery


    Syria

    Adult Size

    Adult Size

    Adult Size

    Males grow about 5" (12 to 13 cm) and weigh 300-500 grams.


    Females grow to around 7" (17 to 18 cm) and weigh at least 1,000 grams.

    Diet

    Adult Size

    Adult Size

    High in fiber, rich in calcium, and low in protein. Weeds, broadleaf greens, flowers, optunia cactus and optunia fruit. Organic store-bought greens and Mazuri on occasion. No fruit - too high in sugars.

    Humidity

    Adult Size

    Description

    Very little humidity. Must be kept in a warm, dry habitat.

    Description

    Description

    Description

    The carapace is nearly fully bright yellow with no black markings.

    Brumation

    Description

    Environment

    This subspecies does not brumate all winter but can slow down its activity for a few months. Adults can tolerate temperatures into the low 40s (Farenheit), if they remain completely dry. A warm overnight hide should be provided so that the tortoise can use it if desired.

    Environment

    Description

    Environment

    Hot, dry, sandy desert. This subspecies is sensitive and cannot tolerate wet conditions for long periods of time. They can handle cooler temperatures as long as the environment remains dry.

    Syrian Photo Gallery

    Gaza (Bodenheimer's Floweri)

    Adult Size

    Adult Size

    Adult Size

    Males grow about 5" (12 to 13 cm) and weigh 300-500 grams.


    Females grow to around 7" (17 to 18 cm) and weigh at least 1,000 grams.

    Diet

    Adult Size

    Adult Size

    High in fiber, rich in calcium, and low in protein. Weeds, broadleaf greens, flowers, optunia cactus and optunia fruit. Organic store-bought greens and Mazuri on occasion. No fruit - too high in sugars.

    Humidity

    Adult Size

    Description

    Very little humidity. Must be kept in a warm, dry habitat.

    Description

    Description

    Description

    The carapace is nearly fully bright yellow with black markings. The head is also yellow and there is a dark spot on the tail.

    Brumation

    Description

    Environment

    This subspecies does not brumate all winter but can slow down its activity for a few months. Adults can tolerate temperatures into the low 40s (Farenheit), if they remain completely dry. A warm overnight hide should be provided so that the tortoise can use it if desired.

    Environment

    Description

    Environment

    Hot, dry, sandy desert. This subspecies is sensitive and cannot tolerate wet conditions for long periods of time. They can handle cooler temperatures as long as the environment remains dry.

    Gaza/Floweri Photo Gallery

    A breeding pair of Testudo graeca terrestris, "Bodenheimer's Floweri." Photo by Garden State Tortoise and used with permission.

      Lebanon

      Adult Size

      Adult Size

      Adult Size

      Males grow about 5" (12 to 13 cm) and weigh 300-500 grams.


      Females grow to around 7" (17 to 18 cm) and weigh at least 1,000 grams.

      Diet

      Adult Size

      Adult Size

      High in fiber, rich in calcium, and low in protein. Weeds, broadleaf greens, flowers, optunia cactus and optunia fruit. Organic store-bought greens and Mazuri on occasion. No fruit - too high in sugars.

      Humidity

      Adult Size

      Description

      Very little humidity. Must be kept in a warm, dry habitat.

      Description

      Description

      Description

      The carapace is nearly fully black with little to no yellow or orange coloring.

      Brumation

      Description

      Environment

      This subspecies does not brumate all winter but can slow down its activity for a few months. Adults can tolerate temperatures into the low 40s (Farenheit), if they remain completely dry. A warm overnight hide should be provided so that the tortoise can use it if desired.

      Environment

      Description

      Environment

      Hot, dry, sandy desert. This subspecies is sensitive and cannot tolerate wet conditions for long periods of time. They can handle cooler temperatures as long as the environment remains dry.

      Lebanon Photo Gallery

      Carapace of Aphrodite, an incubated female.

      Golden and Not So Golden

      "Golden Greeks"

      "Golden Greeks"

      "Golden Greeks"

      The term "Golden Greek" is one of those fancy nicknames that misinformed breeders developed to attract attention. There are a variety of Testudo graeca terrestris, and not all of them are "golden" in color.


      To solely label this subspecies as a "Golden Greek" is incorrect. The proper name is "Mesopotamian." But the fabricated nickname is catchy and so popular now that there is no stopping it.

      "Black Greeks"

      "Golden Greeks"

      "Golden Greeks"

      Just like the infamous "Golden Greeks," the "Black Greek" does not exist. Most breeders identify the Testudo graeca terrestris from Lebanon to be the "Black Greek" because its carapace and plastron are mostly black in color.


      Also, even the darker versions of the Testudo graeca terrestris can breed offspring that is lighter and more "golden" in color.

      Testudo graeca terrestris (Care Sheet)

      Files coming soon.

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