Spur-thighed Tortoise - Subspecies

Subspecies

The division of Greek tortoises into subspecies is difficult and confusing. Given the huge range over three continents, the various terrains, climates, and biotopes have produced a huge number of varieties, with new subspecies constantly being discovered. There are currently at least twenty published subspecies.

• Testudo graeca graeca (North Africa and South Spain)
• Testudo graeca soussensis (South Morocco)
• Testudo graeca marokkensis (North Morocco)
• Testudo graeca nabeulensis (Tunisia)
• Testudo graeca cyrenaica (Libya)
• Testudo graeca ibera (Turkey)
• Testudo graeca armeniaca (Armenia)
• Testudo graeca buxtoni (Caspian Sea)
• Testudo graeca terrestris (Israel/Lebanon)
• Testudo graeca zarudnyi (Iran)
• Testudo graeca whitei (Algeria)

This incomplete listing shows the problems in division into subspecies. The differences in form are primarily in size and weight, as well as coloration, which ranges from dark brown to bright yellow, and the types of flecks, ranging from solid colors to many spots. Also, the bending-up of the edges of the carapace ranges from minimal to pronounced. So as not to become lost in the number of subspecies, recently a few tortoises previously classified as Testudo graeca have been assigned to different species, or even different genera.

The genetic richness of Testudo graeca is also shown in their crossbreeding. Tortoises of different form groups often mate, producing offspring with widely differing shapes and color. Perhaps the best means of identification for the future is simply the place of origin.

The smallest, and perhaps the prettiest, of the subspecies is the Tunisian Spur-Thighed Tortoise. It has a particularly bright and striking coloration. However, these are also the most sensitive tortoises of the species, so that they cannot be kept outdoors in temperate climates, as cold and rainy summers quickly cause the animals to become ill. They are also incapable of a long hibernation.

At the other extreme, animals from northeastern Turkey are very robust, like Hermann's tortoise. The largest specimens come from Bulgaria. Specimens of 7 kg (15 lb) have been reported. In comparison, the Tunisian tortoise has a maximum weight of 0.7 kg (1.5 lb). Testudo graeca is also closely related to the marginated tortoise (Testudo marginata). The two species can interbreed, producing offspring capable of reproduction.