Caring for your Tortoise
The tortoises we find most popular in the U.K are the Eastern Hermann’s, Mediterranean Spur-thighed, Marginated, Western Dwarf Hermann’s and Horsfield. These breeds are most commonly kept as they are fairly hardy making them great for anyone as a starter tortoise as they are easier to look after than some of the higher maintenance tropical breeds that are more sensitive to their environment.
Hibernating species:
Eastern Hermann’s Tortoise – Testudo Hermanni (Approx. 7-10 inches)
Mediterranean Spur-thighed Tortoise – Testudo Graeca (Approx. 8-10 inches)
Marginated Tortoise – Testudo Marginata (Approx. 12-15 inches)
Western ‘dwarf’ Hermann’s Tortoise – Testudo Hermanni (Approx. 4-6 inches)
Horsfield/Russian Tortoise – Testudo (Agrionemys) Horsfieldi (Approx. 5-8 inches)
Non-hibernating species:
Leopard Tortoise – Stigmochelys Pardalis Babcocki (Approx. 16 inches)
Sulcata Tortoise – Geochelone Sulcata (Approx. 30 inches)
Red-Footed Tortoise – Geochelone Carbonaria (Approx. 12-15 inches)
Star Tortoise – Geochelone Elegans (Approx. 10 inches)