Tortoise Types and Sexing
There are several types of tortoise throughout the world. However, those which m
ost frequently find their way into pet outlets are the Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca), whose natural habitat is the shores of the Mediterranean Sea; and which is imported from Tunisia and Morocco- although also from Spain, Greece, Turkey and Romania - and the Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) which also inhabits the shores of the Mediterranean, but mostly on the Italian and Yugoslav coasts.
The Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoise carries a spur on the inner aspect of the thighs and this is its main distinguishing feature. Hermann’s Tortoise has a claw-like appendage on the tip of the tail. There is little difference in the appearance of the shell of the two types.
There is no reliable method of telling a tortoise’s age, the so-called rings, unlike the proverbial tree-trunk, being no accurate guide whatsoever. However, do not choose one which measures less than 10 cm (4 in) across the shell underneath, since a well-grown imported tortoise stands a far better chance of survival than a very young one.
Sex, on the other hand, is easily determined. The undersjell or plastron in the female is flat, or may be slightly conves, whilst in the male it may be slightly concave. The tail of the female is short, whereas in the male it is rather long and curved but you do need to see both male and female tortoises to compare. many a supposedly male tortoise has produced eggs within a few weeks of importation and sale!