Hermann's Tortoise

čančara · Testudo hermanni

reptilevulnerable

The wild land tortoise of Herzegovina's warm karst, plodding through scrub and olive groves. Long-lived and increasingly rare from habitat loss and collection.

Identification & best seen

20–25 cm; domed yellow-and-black shell; often heard rustling through dry leaf-litter before it is seen.

Habitat & where to see

Mediterranean scrub, meadows and open woodland in the south.

Fun fact

It can live well over 50 years, and individuals may outlive the people who first find them.