The relatively small sized Herman tortoise originated in Europe. It is found in almost all coasts of France and certain parts of Italy. It is also inhabits the islands nearby. Hence, it is largely distributed in Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Albania, Romania, Macedonia, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Greece, Hungary and south Italy. It prefers to live in dense Mediterranean forests, arid regions with rocky hill slopes and scrubby vegetation. In such areas, it gets easier for the Herman tortoise to find its food.Herman tortoise mainly consumes an herbivorous diet which largely consists of green leaves and grasses. However, it also eats other vegetables and fruits such as broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, carrots, tomatoes, parsley, Timothy Hay, Alfalfa grass, Bermuda grass, dandelions, weeds, cactus pads, strawberries, bananas, squash, melons, apples, apricots, grapes and peaches. However, these vegetables and fruits serve better if they are eaten in small quantities. If you have a Herman tortoise as a pet, it would be better if you don’t feed it cabbage for a long time because it may have damaging effects. Also, iceberg lettuce must not be fed to it because it has no nutritional value and your pet may give up eating other foods to eat this lettuce. When, in the wild, a Herman tortoise may also eat certain insects such as snails, slugs and carrions. However, it is not necessary that you feed your tortoise with these insects because animal protein may prove to be harmful to it. Thus, special care must be taken to provide the tortoise with a diet that is low in protein and fat but, rich in fiber and calcium. Vitamin D3 supplements can also be given to it in food, especially if the tortoise is not exposed to the sun from which it can derive the vitamin. When the Herman tortoises are young, they have an attractive yellow and black shell. Though, their carapaces are not as highly domed as the Greek tortoises. Also, the female tortoises have a flatter shell than the males. The backbone, ribs, shoulder blades and pelvis are all merged into the shell of the Herman tortoise.
Herman tortoises are most preferably kept in outdoor enclosures. But, such enclosures must be safely built and proper care must be taken so that these tortoises are not able to escape from them. However, when this species is kept in indoor enclosures, they must be provided with a natural looking environment. And, such an enclosure must be large enough with a proper heat and light source. Herman tortoises stay small, are quite friendly and adjusting. Therefore, it would always be good to have a Herman tortoise as your pet.