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TESTUDO HERMANNI

The Hermanni turtle or Hermanni tortoise is the most widespread terrestrial tortoise in our peninsula
We remember the two subspecies 'Testudo hermanni hermanni' and 'Testudo hermanni boettgeri': the first mainly diffused in the eastern zone of the Adriatic; the second is referable to Italian populations. Specimens of T. hermanni boettgeri have more varied traits, especially at carapace level, while the relative h.hermanni has more 'fixed' characteristics. Speaking of size, specimens of t. hermanni hermanni remain smaller (the adult females can reach the 20 cm) while for the t.h. boettgeri adult females can reach the 28-30 cm. The males remain smaller in both cases.
Hermanni’s texts observe about 4-5 months of hibernation. The hibernation in captivity is highly recommended as it is a completely natural physiological behaviour for the animal. It’s important that you look at the hibernating turtles with your stomach and intestines completely empty from food and secretions. Do not underestimate the need for a wet soil and the temperature factor (avoid too low temperatures, for example below 2 degrees, but not too high - above 10 - which could deflect them and lead their metabolism to consume more than it should).
The mating period of these turtles is valid for the duration of the months of activity, and the depositions usually go from 1 to 4 times per year.
The incubation period of the eggs varies from 50-90 days (without the incubators this period is reduced).
CITES: Appendix II all. A
Distribution: T.h.hermanni: eastern part of the Adriatic. T.h.boettgerii: Italian peninsula, mainly the entire Tyrrhenian coast, Apulia, Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia
Nutrition: vegetarian (dandelion, plantain, alfalfa). The fruit should never exceed the recommended ration (a 10% on their total diet). Absolutely to avoid bread and pasta and dairy products (milk and cheese): the latter constitute for them a real poison.

TESTUDO HERMANNI

The Hermanni turtle or Hermanni tortoise is the most widespread terrestrial tortoise in our peninsula
We remember the two subspecies 'Testudo hermanni hermanni' and 'Testudo hermanni boettgeri': the first mainly diffused in the eastern zone of the Adriatic; the second is referable to Italian populations. Specimens of T. hermanni boettgeri have more varied traits, especially at carapace level, while the relative h.hermanni has more 'fixed' characteristics. Speaking of size, specimens of t. hermanni hermanni remain smaller (the adult females can reach the 20 cm) while for the t.h. boettgeri adult females can reach the 28-30 cm. The males remain smaller in both cases.
Hermanni’s texts observe about 4-5 months of hibernation. The hibernation in captivity is highly recommended as it is a completely natural physiological behaviour for the animal. It’s important that you look at the hibernating turtles with your stomach and intestines completely empty from food and secretions. Do not underestimate the need for a wet soil and the temperature factor (avoid too low temperatures, for example below 2 degrees, but not too high - above 10 - which could deflect them and lead their metabolism to consume more than it should).
The mating period of these turtles is valid for the duration of the months of activity, and the depositions usually go from 1 to 4 times per year.
The incubation period of the eggs varies from 50-90 days (without the incubators this period is reduced).
CITES: Appendix II all. A
Distribution: T.h.hermanni: eastern part of the Adriatic. T.h.boettgerii: Italian peninsula, mainly the entire Tyrrhenian coast, Apulia, Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia
Nutrition: vegetarian (dandelion, plantain, alfalfa). The fruit should never exceed the recommended ration (a 10% on their total diet). Absolutely to avoid bread and pasta and dairy products (milk and cheese): the latter constitute for them a real poison.

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🐢 Testudo hermanni: Hermann’s Tortoise at Mini Zoo Rinaldi Denis

🌍 Origin & Subspecies

The Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is a Mediterranean tortoise species found in Southern Europe. It includes two main subspecies:

Testudo hermanni hermanni – Native to Western Europe, especially the Italian Peninsula and coastal regions.
Testudo hermanni boettgeri – Found in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, slightly larger and more robust than its western cousin.

📏 Size & Physical Traits

T. h. hermanni: Adult females can reach about 20 cm, males are generally smaller.
T. h. boettgeri: Females can grow up to 28–30 cm, with a more domed shell.

Both subspecies are known for their yellow and black patterned shells and sturdy, rounded limbs.

🏡 Habitat & Care in Captivity

These tortoises thrive in sunny, dry environments with sandy soil and Mediterranean vegetation. In captivity:

Provide a spacious, secure outdoor enclosure.
Include sunny areas for basking and shaded areas for cooling.
A proper hibernation period is essential, ideally at 4°C to 8°C during winter.