My three new tortoises are wild-caught from Jordan, according to the importer. From what I read, they feed profusely in the late winter and spring, aestivate as soon as the vegetation dries completely in mid-July, become active again briefly in October through November with the first rains, and then hibernate til the first warm periods in February.
Here's an interesting article on T. graeca in Jordan.
http://cas.bellarmine.edu/tietjen/Research/Testudo graeca.htm
So, it appears that primary growth would occur in the spring and early summer, with occasional small spurts possible in the fall. Further, any stressful period in the primary spring growth period would split that growth ring.
So, excluding years where no growth occured, how old would you believe these three are?
This one is 5.75 inches SCL, obviously still growing. I count 6 years, making this female a fall 2004 hatchling, if she grew steadily.
This one is 7 inches SCL, and still growing. I count 9, but perhaps as many as 11 rings, so maybe 2001 hatchling, but maybe as early as 1999.
This one is 7 inches SCL, and appears to be nearing or have reached adult size. I count 10 to 13 years of primary growth, followed by 3 to 5 years of slowing growth, which is still occuring. This tortoise might be as young as 10 or perhaps in her early 20's if she experienced some drought years in there.
Here's an interesting article on T. graeca in Jordan.
http://cas.bellarmine.edu/tietjen/Research/Testudo graeca.htm
So, it appears that primary growth would occur in the spring and early summer, with occasional small spurts possible in the fall. Further, any stressful period in the primary spring growth period would split that growth ring.
So, excluding years where no growth occured, how old would you believe these three are?
This one is 5.75 inches SCL, obviously still growing. I count 6 years, making this female a fall 2004 hatchling, if she grew steadily.
This one is 7 inches SCL, and still growing. I count 9, but perhaps as many as 11 rings, so maybe 2001 hatchling, but maybe as early as 1999.
This one is 7 inches SCL, and appears to be nearing or have reached adult size. I count 10 to 13 years of primary growth, followed by 3 to 5 years of slowing growth, which is still occuring. This tortoise might be as young as 10 or perhaps in her early 20's if she experienced some drought years in there.
