About the Marginated Tortoise

The Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata), the largest native European tortoise, presents a striking figure with its distinctive shell morphology and impressive adaptability.

Geographic Range and Habitat

The natural habitat of the marginated tortoise spans southern Greece, from the Peloponnesus region to Mount Olympus. They are also found in isolated areas of the Balkans and Italy, as well as in northeastern Sardinia where they are believed to have been introduced by humans.

Unlike many Mediterranean tortoises, such as Hermann’s tortoise, the marginated tortoise thrives in more mountainous regions, often inhabiting elevations as high as 1,600 meters (5,200 feet). This preference for higher ground means they are well-adapted to cooler temperatures and varying terrains, including rocky slopes and scrublands.

Physical Characteristics and Adaptation

The Marginated Tortoise is easily identifiable by the flaring, saw-like margin or skirt of the posterior (rear) part of its carapace (upper shell)—a feature that gives the species its name. This flared edge is particularly pronounced in mature males. Adults typically reach lengths of 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 inches).

Its carapace often exhibits a dark, almost black coloration. This deep pigmentation is a key adaptation for its life in mountainous regions:

• Rapid Heat Absorption: The black color enables the tortoise to rapidly absorb solar heat, a crucial survival mechanism for maintaining a stable body temperature in cooler, higher-altitude environments.