Id. this tortoise PLEASE

[Tats-N-Torts]

We are having problems identifying and sexing our new tortoise, hopefully you experts can help us out. We were told it is a Russian, but not given an age. The tortoise is about 5 inches and very active.

 

[Yvonne G]

I'm not good at I.D.ing the Mediterranean species of tortoise, however, I'm guessing this one is a Hermann's tortoise. The tail pictures are blurry, but it looks like there may be a sore on the cloaca? I'm thinking that male tails are bigger and fatter than your tortoise's tail, so maybe a female.

 

[Russian_Tortoise]

Definitely not a Russian. I agree with Yvonne's guess that it is a Hermann's tortoise.

 

[wellington]

Not sure of its species, but totally agree, it's not a Russian.

 

[Tats-N-Torts]

thanks. i knew it was not a russian, and had a feeling it may be a hermamms, but was uncertain.

 

[kimber_lee_314]

It's definitely a Hermann's - I am going to say female.

 

[FLINTUS]

Definitely a female Hermann's. Not sure on subspecies, but definitely not testudo hermanni hercegovinensis, I am thinking it may be testudo hermanni hermanni

 

[GBtortoises]

It's a female Eastern Hermanns, Testudo hermanni boettgeri

 

[Moozillion]

She's very pretty!

 

[FLINTUS]

It's a female Eastern Hermanns, Testudo hermanni boettgeri

Ok, wasn't sure. The markings definitely look THB but the darker colour made me think THH

 

[GBtortoises]

It's a female Eastern Hermanns, Testudo hermanni boettgeri

Ok, wasn't sure. The markings definitely look THB but the darker colour made me think THH

This tortoise is darker (more contrasting coloration) because it has most likely been raised almost if not exclusively indoors. Indoor lighting has that effect on tortoises. That is one reason why color, contrast and pattern are not good primary identifying features-because they can vary greatly. Not only can it vary from captive to wild animals but also within captive and wild examples. Color, contrast and pattern have to be considered in conjunction with scute structure, shell shape, head and leg features (scale structure & shape) and more in order positively identify a species. Most aren't too difficult. The major exception being the Middle Eastern and North African Greek subspecies.

 

[gieseygirly]

You are very lucky - what a beautiful tort!!

 

[Tats-N-Torts]

thanks for the positive ID everyone!!!

 

[Tats-N-Torts]

well after taking the hermanns out the tub for it's soak, it was made clearly apparant that it is a male. as i lifted him to dry him off his full penis was erected out... ewww, but now we know for sure lol