(Testudo hermanni) generally inhabits mountains and areas with Mediterranean vegetation. In Spain, it can only be found in the wild in Catalonia and on the Balearic Islands.

They usually reach a size of less than 20cm, although larger specimens have been found.

Reproduction and Eating Habits
From May to June, the females lay between 3 and 8 eggs in small pits. It is essentially a vegetarian species. Their diet is based on wild plants (dandelion, thistle, hedge mustard, clover ..). They have been known to feed on berries and fruits, and every now and then, carrion.

Legislation

Mediterranean tortoises are at risk of extinction in the wild, mainly due to factors such as mechanized farming and pesticide use, transit, fire, destruction of the environment, urbanization and illegal catch.

The animal is particularly protected by law for being an endangered species and their possession by individuals is punishable by heavy fines.

If you find a Mediterranean tortoise, is recommended not to take it or take it to a reintroduction center, as if we are removing animals from the already small population, we are only working with extinction.

The T. hermanni is included in the IUCN Red List of endangered species, protected by the Berne Convention. Also included in the DATES 1332/2005 and the Directive of the European Community, so that is absolutely prohibited the capture of wild specimens.