Testudo marginata or bordered turtle
- Life expectancy: 60 years
- Adult size: 30 to 35 cm (record 40cm)
- Average weight: between 3 and 5 kg
- Species: earth turtles
The Marginata turtle (or Testudo marginata) is a kind of earth turtle that we find mainly in southern regions From Greece, Italy, Albania and Sardinia. Its distribution area is Comparable to that of the Hermann Turtle (T. Hermanni). The wild specimens of these two species are not known to hybridize. While the reverse is rather common in captivity. Marginatas turtles also mate with different species, including Russian and Greek turtles in particular.
Marginatas are very prolific in captivity. For this reason, this turtle is domesticated in many European households. The adult marginatas testudo are recognizable thanks to theSpecial flagship at the back of their shells, which looks a bit like a skirt. This form of "skirt" is at the origin of his nickname: The turtle bordered. This characteristic is more visible in males than in females. At a very young age, his shell is made up of pearly white and black, a mixture of color recalling the coat of leopard. The intensity of this coloring fades in adulthood, sometimes towards a Very dark gray, see anthracite. The skin of this reptile is black, sometimes with pearly white reflections above his skull
The natural environment of the species is mainly arid and composed of bushes and shrubs and other vegetation. Marginatas turtles can also live at altitudes up to 1500m and in certain cold areas. The dark color of His shell helps him to warm up In the sun in the morning, then she withdrew in the shade in the hottest hours of the day.
The Marginata turtle in captivity
Marginata likes a lot in our gardens. Its small size, from 30 to 40cm (adult size), is easily manageable for most people. Be careful however because these turtles are not “hug”. We choose to adopt this animal mainly by passion and for observation of his behavior.
⚠️NOTE : Although it is not part of the endangered or protected species, adoption and The possession of this turtle is regulated. We invite you to document yourself well on the subject before making the decision of an adoption. Here is for example a Questions on French legislation Who will help you see clearer.
has. Indoors
In a domestic setting, the turtle must be placed outdoors. We do not recommend the acquisition of a marginata turtle (or any other terrestrial turtle) if you live in an apartment. Indeed this environment will not be really adapted ... If this situation was however inevitable, here are our advice:
- Have a terrarium or an interior enclosure (0.30m² minimum).
- Make sure that the temperature is between 26 to 28 ° C during the day and between 12 to 18 ° C during the night.
- Set up a hot area and a fresh area so that the animal can choose the place that suits it best.
- Arrange several hiding places in these two areas.
- Opt for a hemp or corn round
- The humidity in the air must be 40% to 70%.
- At least 12 to 2 p.m./day of high brightness and UVB.
b. Outdoors
The Marginaata turtle prefers the fresh air by far and will be good happier outdoors, even with relatively difficult climatic conditions. Less maintenance for you and him more space for her (everyone wins). Significant point, this gives you the possibility of plant food nearby who will be an uninterrupted food source for her. Its water point can even be powered with automatic filling systems.
This outdoor enclosure must be South -facing presentation and surrounded by a fence about 50cm high and buried at least 20 cm in order tostem all escape attempts (because yes, turtles can dig). A good option also consists of Cover the top of the enclosure By a fence to avoid intrusions of other animals (cats and dogs a little too playful or curious) and another wire mesh below, again to prevent the turtle from the enclosure. Part of the enclosure must be devoid of grass for the benefit of sand And dead leaf so that the turtle can enlist.
Testudo marginatas love narrow hiding place, so you will have to provide a few objects such as tinker or ready -made caves, magnolia leaves, stacked rocks, leaving a small space below… .andc. Make sure everything you use cannot fall and hurt The turtle.
Diet
Unlike the freshwater turtle And the marine turtle which is carnivores, the turtle bordered, it is herbivore. It is therefore easy to find the type of food that suits him. These include dandelions, lettuce, clover, watercress, honeysuckle, kale, Brussels cabbage, carrots, parsnips, spinach ... It is also possible to include a small amount of fruit, avoiding citrus fruits. You can also buy food for pets in the trade, but the best solution is still to use Fresh and organic food. Always make sure the food has not been treated with fertilizers or pesticides. This can lead to serious health problems for the turtle.
Hibernation
The Testudo Marginata goes Hiberner from November to March. The best is to arrange a small wooden hut in its enclosure with a small door that allows it to enter but which blocks fresh air currents. Although it is one of the most tolerant turtles to the cold, you have to ensure that the body temperature in hibernation does not go down Not below 33 degrees. Its surrounding temperature at this period should be understood Between 4 and 8 ° C.
Reproduction
Immediately after having hibernate, The mating instinct is triggered. Males ardently seek females and show a great violence By biting them on the members, spurring them and trying to mount them. During copulation, the male opens his mouth and shows his tongue pushing great cries (really sexy all that ...). The cries resemble sobs and its fairly strident and serious, unlike the Testudo Hermanni, whose noises are much more acute.
During coupling, the female remains motionless and keeps her head on the side, raising the eyes to see the mouth open of the male. It seems that The language has a signaling function. The female moves her head from left to right to the rhythm of the cries of the male.
Thereafter, the female sets out in search of a Ideal place to lay its eggs. Once she found, the female stands motionless, firmly pressing her two front legs against the ground. It then digs a hole whose depth is determined by the length of its rear legs.
Once the hole is dug, the laying begins. Each egg is gently placed in the hole. After the last egg, the female immediately begins to fill the hole, using her back legs again. Finally, she “taps” with her feet so that the ground regains her natural hardness. Large turtles can lay up to three times a summer, with about 15 eggs per brood.
Group life?
Group high turtles will generally get along well. On the other hand, if a turtle has been raised alone since its birth, it will be a lot more difficult to integrate it In one group or with another turtle afterwards.
