Testudo hermanni
The only land tortoise in France!
The Hermann’s tortoise is often confused with the Greek tortoise, both of which have a yellow shell with black patterns. “Our” Hermann’s tortoise has been present in France for more than a million years and has adapted to our territory, hibernating in the cold season. Mainly herbivorous, it can also feed on snails, insects and carrion.
But it is in danger of disappearing, victim of the destruction of its habitat, fires, dog attacks. But also illegal collection by individuals, and the diseases brought by the captive turtles that have been released!
You can observe several of these turtles in the Yellow-bellied Macaw aviary, except of course in the cold season (about October to April): they hibernate then!
