The Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is a small European tortoise featured in the Eurasia Animal Pack DLC for Planet Zoo.
Zoopedia Description[]
General[]
Population In Wild: Unknown
Hermann’s tortoise (or Testudo hermanni) is a small species of tortoise that is found throughout the coastal forests of the Mediterranean. The carapace is patterned in yellow and black and varies based on the subspecies and by individual. The Eastern subspecies is much larger than the Western, reaching sizes of up to 28cm long, compared to 18cm long. Females are generally larger than males in this species. Depending on their size, Hermann’s tortoises can weigh between 2kg and 4kg.
The number of Hermann’s tortoises in the wild have declined due to habitat loss through construction, wildfires, and herbicides, as well as poaching for the pet trade. Therefore, they are considered a Near Threatened species. Road construction separates tortoise populations and reduces mating opportunities and genetic exchange. Because Hermann’s tortoises take so many years to mature, they are particularly vulnerable to this as they are often killed before having reproduced at all. Captive breeding and reintroduction schemes are in place to help increase the numbers of wild tortoises.
Social[]
Hermann’s tortoises only spend time together to mate, but tolerate nearby individuals provided there is enough space and food available.
Reproduction[]
During the breeding season in February, when Hermann’s tortoises have emerged from hibernation, males vocalise with high-pitched calls. Females locate and select a mate based on these vocalisations. Both males and females will mate with multiple partners over the course of the mating period, males encountering rival males may engage in aggressive behaviour such as ramming contests, to monopolise a mating site. In order to mate, a male bites an approaching female’s leg to get her into the correct position before mounting her.
90 days following a successful mating event, the female digs a shallow hole and lays her eggs into it. Each clutch is made up of between 2 to 12 eggs, and up to four clutches may be laid per breeding season. After laying, she covers the eggs with dirt and leaves, providing no parental care. Roughly 75% of the eggs hatch after incubating in the nest for a further 90 day period, at the beginning of autumn. The sex of the hatchlings is determined by the temperature of the egg, producing only males at a temperature of 26°C, and only females at 30°C.
For the first 5 years of their lives, Hermann’s tortoises remain close to their natal site while their shell fully develops and hardens. They are fully grown at 10 years old, but only reach sexual maturity at an age of 12 years old.
Animal Care[]
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Trivia[]
Zoopedia Fun Facts[]
- Hermann’s tortoises hibernate for 6 to 12 weeks a year.
- The shell of Hermann’s tortoise is made up of 60 interconnecting bones.
- The exact life expectancy of Hermann’s tortoise is unknown, but is thought to be up to 120 years.
- Hermann’s tortoises are the slowest growing tortoise species.
- Before their shell hardens, young Hermann’s tortoises are vulnerable to predation from magpies, wild boars, foxes, and hedgehogs.
Other Trivia[]
- The Hermann's Tortoise is the first (and so far only) animal to have a Grassland exhibit.
Gallery[]
