The Herman tortoise belongs to a group of species often referred to as Mediterranean tortoises, which also includes the spur-thighed tortoises. It originates from the warmer southern territories of Europe. There are three known subspecies of Herman tortoise, the Western or Herman hermani, which is found in Spain, the Eastern, also known as Herman boettgeri, which occurs in Greece and Turkey and the Dalmatian of Bosnia, whose scientific name, is Herman hercegovinensis.Be aware, if you are planning to buy a Herman tortoise, that they are listed by CITES in an annexe and that their trade is controlled within the European Union. A license might be needed to obtain one. A prominent source of many captive bred Herman Tortoises is Slovenia and there is some controversy surrounding the trade. Members on the reptile and tortoise forums online have expressed reservations about tortoises from this country. Transportation arrangements are often less than ideal and there have also been complaints about some of them coming with a heavy load of parasites. Others are concerned about the documentation accompanying some tortoises being fraudulent in nature or that they may have been illegally captured.
There are breeders for Herman tortoises in the USA, but documentation for exportation of certain breeds may take months to process. Herman tortoises make very popular pets for persons who have never kept a reptile before. They are a species that stays relatively small and they have a reputation for being friendly and easy to manage. Although native to the Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Greece and Italy, they are fairly adaptable.
The carapace is marked with beautiful yellow and black scutes although the color might grow dull as it matures. When adult, the male is distinguished by a fairly long tail and with a distinct spur or spiky hook at the back.
The tail spike of the female is smaller and bent inward. The head and legs are covered with fine scales, colored anywhere from brown to black.
Since they can live up to 75 years, buying a Herman tortoise should be a commitment for life. In the wild, Herman tortoises hibernate between November and February and breed between May and July, laying up to 12 eggs.
“Le Village Des Tortues” or the tortoise village is a sanctuary in the South of France set up specifically for the care of rescued Herman tortoises. It is open to visitors. A series of similar facilities, known by the name ‘Carapax’ exists in Spain and France, funded partly by the World Wildlife Fund and the EC.
Attractive and easy-going, a Herman tortoise makes a popular choice for the first time reptile owner.