Tunisian spur-thighed tortoise
| Tunisian spur-thighed tortoise | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Testudo graeca nabeulensis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Sauropsida |
| Order: | Testudines |
| Suborder: | Cryptodira |
| Family: | Testudinidae |
| Genus: | Testudo |
| Species: | T. graeca (but see text) |
| Subspecies: | T. g. nabeulensis |
| Trinomial name | |
|
Testudo graeca nabeulensis Highfield, 1990 |
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| Synonyms | |
|
Furculachelys nabeulensis Highfield, 1990 |
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Furculachelys nabeulensis Highfield, 1990
Testudo nabeulensis Highfield and Martin, 1989
The Tunisian spur-thighed tortoise or Nabeul tortoise (Testudo graeca nabeulensis) is a subspecies of spur-thighed tortoises. It was originally described as a new species in 1990, and even placed in a distinct genus. The spur-thighed or "Greek" tortoises are usually collectively referred to as Testudo graeca, but this covers a wide variety of subspecies that have very different ecological and morphological characteristics and appear to comprise at least three phylogenetic lineages. As its name implies, it is found in Tunisia and nearby Algeria.
The Tunisian spur-thighed tortoise is a relatively small tortoise. The adult males usually have carapaces that seldom exceed 13 cm (about 4.5 in), whilst the adult females' carapaces are no more than 16.5 cm (some 6.5 in) long. The geographically closest population of the T. graeca group, from Morocco, is decidedly larger.
These tortoises are among the most brightly coloured taxa of the spur-thighed complex, with a light yellow carapace with strong black markings in the scute centres. The plastron also has bold colour pattern. On the top of the head, right between the eyes, is a distinct yellowish spot.
Tunisian spur-thighed tortoises are popular as pets due to their attractive coloration and small size. They are a bit more delicate than their larger relatives, and though their care is not particularly difficult, they are not ideal pets for those who have no experience at all in keeping tortoises. Coming from tropical semiarid habitat, they do not hibernate, and an attempt to have them do so will cause fatality. This does actually make their care easier for people in warmer regions, but in temperate climates, they require a well-heated and amply lit terrarium even in winter.
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