History and origin
The Hermann's Tortoise was first described by Gmelin in 1789, the scientific name of this species is Testudo hermanni, Testudo from Latin meaning 'tortoise' formally called Testa, Latin for 'tile'. Hermanni - this species was dedicated to Mr Jean Hermann.

Characteristics
They are the only native tortoise in France. They are characterised by having two scales on top of the tail, their tail also ends in two nail like spurs. The other tortoise that could be encountered in France (Testudo graeca) has only one scale above the tail.

Description
=Size=
The newly hatched young can be as small as 40 to 50 mm long. The shell size can be 200 mm long
=Morphology=
They have scales that are each a large bump coming out of the shell as if they were swollen. They have big muscular legs and chunky fat claws. They have a small tail which seems split into two at the very end as a spur. They have above the tail, two scales, this is characteristic of the species.
=Patterns & colours=
They are usually yellowish with darker edges to each scale. Sometimes most of the scale is dark. The underside of the shell is yellowish with smaller dark patches. Their head is dark brown and sometimes has lighter yellowish areas. Their limbs are usually dark brown.

Geographical range
They are found all over the Balkan peninsula, scattered in Italy and present on Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia, Menorca, Minorca, also found in a small area in the Var in southern France, there is a second French population near Perpignan, this however seems to be extinct due to a fire some twenty years ago.

Subspecies
- boettgeri - Found in eastern Europe.
- hermanni - Found in western Europe.

Sexual differences
None.

Seasonal variations
None.

Diet
They feed leguminous plants (peas, beans...).

Defensive habits
Unknown.

Reproduction
Breeding occurs in April or May, this happens on land. The female lays up 13 eggs 2 or 3 months after the mating. The eggs are laid.

Sexual maturity, life span
The average life span for Testudo hermanni is about 40 years, they reach their sexual maturity in their eighth year as males and their eleventh year as females.

Habits
They are active by day. They are only found where the summers are very hot. The males have a territory of up to 2 hectares and the females around 1 hectare.

Habitat
They are found under 600 meters. They inhabit meadows, cultivated land, light woods, scrub land on hills... The males territory may be up to 2 hectares.

Predators
Their biggest threat is from birds when they are young. As adults the only real dangers are fire and man.