Testudo graeca terrestris can be found in Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. Photo Map belongs to Lonely Planet.
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.
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.
Very little humidity. Must be kept in a warm, dry habitat.
The carapace is nearly fully orange-gold in color, with little black markings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Very little humidity. Must be kept in a warm, dry habitat.
The carapace is nearly fully bright yellow with no black markings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Very little humidity. Must be kept in a warm, dry habitat.
The carapace is nearly fully bright yellow with black markings. The head is also yellow and there is a dark spot on the tail.
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.
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.
A breeding pair of Testudo graeca terrestris, "Bodenheimer's Floweri." Photo by Garden State Tortoise and used with permission.
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.
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.
Very little humidity. Must be kept in a warm, dry habitat.
The carapace is nearly fully black with little to no yellow or orange coloring.
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.
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.
Carapace of Aphrodite, an incubated female.
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.
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.
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