SteemitPhotoChallenge #29 - Entry 1: Hermann's tortoise (and explanation, of course)
Hermann's tortoise or testudo hermanni is a middle sized tortoise that lives in Mediterranean parts of Europe.
It is highly protected by the law, so I was not so happy when this one showed up in my backyard. First, it should be hibernating. Second, if something happens to this tortoise while it is in my place, I'm fucked. Twenty or thirty years ago, you could see much more of these in forests or karst. But now, you can see a lot of them as pancakes run over by car. And nobody takes responsibility for them.
These are not sea turtles, they live only on the land.
They grow slowly but they can live up to 50 years. They become mature at the age of ten. They are easy to breed and female nests 12 eggs. In the winter, they hibernate under the soil. But these climate changes changed their behavior, too. That's why you can see more dead than alive tortoises.
Hmmm... i forgot tortoises are reptiles.
Me too
It looks like a shy turtle, lol. Has your winter been warm, or is it an early spring for you now? I hope that turtle can get to where it needs to be - maybe not your yard. ; )
Our winter is Mediterranean winter. North wind can bring low temperature, but very rarely snow. Still, February can be very cheating, so temperatures can be between -5 °c and +15°c
Thanks for the additional understanding about what that shy turtle is facing. Here's to an easy February for that turtle! : )
It's very beautiful picture!!
All your post is very good :)
Thank you for sharing...
Thank you!!!