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Habitat
mediterranean forests and grasslands
Diet:
leaves, grass and flowers
Lifespan:
50+ years
Weight:
0.5 - 2 kg
Number of eggs:
5 - 10 eggs
Incubation period:
8 - 12 weeks
IUCN status:
vulnerable
EEP:
yes
About the Greek tortoise
The Greek tortoise lives in warm forests and grasslands. It mainly eats leaves, grass and flowers. Females lay 5 to 10 eggs in a self-dug pit and then leave them behind. Whether males or females hatch depends on the temperature. The incubation period lasts 8 to 12 weeks. The Greek tortoise can live as long as 50 years or older; one has even been known to live to 127 years. Although they are sometimes kept as pets, this is not a good idea. They need a lot of care and live very long lives. In addition, the trade in wild tortoises threatens their survival.
Habitat and threats
The Greek tortoise is found in forests and grasslands of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Turkey, Lebanon, Syria. But also African countries such as Morocco and Libya.
In the wild, many turtle species are threatened with extinction. They are often taken from the wild to sell as pets. A bad thing, because it is very difficult to take good care of a turtle. In addition, they can get very old, even a lot older than a human.
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Nature preservation in Overloon Zoo
The status of the Greek tortoise is vulnerable. Unfortunately, many of the species you see during your expedition through the park are endangered and struggling in their native habitats. Did you know that more than 4,000 species are threatened with extinction worldwide? Together we can help them, with big, or small steps. Do you want to know how?