Re: differences between Testuda greaca and Testuda Hermanni

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Posted by Annie Lancaster-TortoiseAid on March 12, 2001 at 12:40:16:

In Reply to: differences between Testuda greaca and Testuda Hermanni posted by Audra on March 12, 2001 at 02:54:35:

: Please explain what is the difference between Testuda graeca and Testuda hermanni.

Hi, that is a question that needs further clarification....depending if you mean Testudo graeca graeca, Testudo (graeca) ibera, etc. Also depends on the location of Testudo graeca, there are many "types" of graeca depending on locale...etc. Lybian complex, Moroccan complex, etc. Testudo ibera..for example...resides in Turkey, etc. where T. graeca can be found in many areas in North Africa as well as other areas.

Testudo hermanni...there are 2 subscpecies of.

The main pysical differences you will see to these tortoises is

1. Shell pattern...with graeca is will vary considerably even they're called "graeca" but most all have "spurs" on the thighs. Size also varies greatly! T. hermanni will also have a rather specific shell pattern depending on which subspecies of hermanni it is. They also have a "spur" or bony tip in the end of the tail, whereas T. graeca does not.

T. hermanni hermanni is a much rarer tortoise than it's cousin, and depending on the type-local of Testudo ibera...numbers in the wild vary. All are classified as CITES II.

Not the easiest question...and researchers still argue as to how these tortoises should be classified! (and probably always will)

Annie

TortoiseAid

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: : Please explain what is the difference between Testuda graeca and Testuda hermanni. : Hi, that is a question that needs further clarification....depending if you mean Testudo graeca graeca, Testudo (graeca) ibera, etc. Also depends on the location of Testudo graeca, there are many "types" of graeca depending on locale...etc. Lybian complex, Moroccan complex, etc. Testudo ibera..for example...resides in Turkey, etc. where T. graeca can be found in many areas in North Africa as well as other areas. : Testudo hermanni...there are 2 subscpecies of. : The main pysical differences you will see to these tortoises is : 1. Shell pattern...with graeca is will vary considerably even they're called "graeca" but most all have "spurs" on the thighs. Size also varies greatly! T. hermanni will also have a rather specific shell pattern depending on which subspecies of hermanni it is. They also have a "spur" or bony tip in the end of the tail, whereas T. graeca does not. : T. hermanni hermanni is a much rarer tortoise than it's cousin, and depending on the type-local of Testudo ibera...numbers in the wild vary. All are classified as CITES II. : Not the easiest question...and researchers still argue as to how these tortoises should be classified! (and probably always will) : Annie

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