France’s only land turtle!
Hermann’s tortoises are often confused with the Greek tortoise as both have a black and yellow patterned carapace. Nevertheless, “our” Hermann’s tortoise has been found in France for more than a million years, and has adapted to conditions here, hibernating during the winter. Mainly herbivorous, it can also eat snails, insects and carrion.
However, it is in danger of disappearing, a victim of habitat destruction, fire and dog attacks. And also of illegal collection by private individuals and of diseases caught from captive tortoises released into the wild.
You will find a number of these tortoises in the red and green macaw aviary, excepted from October to April: they hibernate!