The Marginated Tortoise is a rare “garden tortoise” species that can be found in only a limited area mainly at the base of Mount Olympus in mainland Greece. Because of their scarcity, it is illegal to collect and export Marginated tortoises from their homeland. Therefore captive breeding is important to the survival of this species that can live to well over 100 years of age. It was not imported in large numbers to the UK however, luckily we have been successful in breeding these tortoises in captivity in the UK.
The Marginated tortoise is used to living in Greece with warm summers however, they are hardy and adaptable and can therefore live happily in the UK climate with a little help and hibernate in the winter months after the first few years of life.
Marginated tortoises are the largest known European tortoise and reach on average about 14 inches in length having been only an inch long on hatching. As with many tortoises, the female is larger than the male. This species is named after its flaring rear shell forming a beautiful skirt, which occurs in both sexes but is more pronounced in the male making it one of the nicest and most attractive tortoise species to keep.
Although the Marginated tortoise varies in coloration most have a beautiful brown and cream colour shell. Their skin tends to be a creamy, yellowish colour but exposed skin darkens with age to a dark grey colour. Baby tortoises on hatching weigh just 10 grammes and can grow to an average of 3 kilos in weight as a fully grown adult.
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