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Testudo graeca ibera


Testudo graeca ibera
Photo Information
Copyright: Iulian Gherghel (IulianGherghel) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 152 W: 2 N: 359] (1342)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-08-23
Categories: Reptiles
Camera: Konica Minolta Dimage Z10
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-11-13 9:53
Viewed: 2194
Points: 24
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Sauropsida
Order: Testudines
Suborder: Cryptodira
Family: Testudinidae
Genus: Testudo
Species: T. graeca

Conservation status:
Vulnerable (IUCN)

The Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera) or Spur-thighed Tortoise is one of four European members of the Testudinidae family of tortoises. The other members of the family are Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni), the Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata) and Horsfield's Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii).

Subspecies
T. graeca graeca, North Africa, southern Spain, Sardinia, the Baleares "Greek Tortoise" or "Spur-thighed Tortoise"
T. graeca ibera, Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, "Eurasian Tortoise"
T. graeca anamurensis, Turkey, "Anamur Tortoise"
T. graeca terrestris, southern Israel, "Levantine Tortoise"
T. graeca armenica, Armenia, "Armenian Tortoise"
T. graeca nikolskii, Caucasus, "Caucasian Tortoise"
T. graeca buxtoni, Caspian Sea area, "Caspian Tortoise"
T. graeca pallasi, Dagestan, "Dagestani Tortoise"
T. graeca marokkensis, Morocco
T. graeca lamberti, Morocco
T. graeca soussensis, Morocco
T. graeca nabeulensis, Tunisia, (Tunisian Spur-thighed Tortoise)
T. graeca floweri
T. graeca antakyensis
T. graeca flavominimaralis, Libya (Libyan Tortoise)

This incomplete listing shows the problems in division into subspecies. The differences in form are primarily in size and weight, as well as coloration, which ranges from dark brown to bright yellow, and the types of flecks, ranging from solid colors to many spots. Also, the bending-up of the edges of the carapace ranges from minimal to pronounced. So as not to become lost in the number of subspecies, recently a few tortoises previously classified as Testudo graeca have been assigned to different species, or even different genera.

The genetic richness of Testudo graeca is also shown in their crossbreeding. Tortoises of different form groups often mate, producing offspring with widely differing shapes and color. Perhaps the best means of identification for the future is simply the place of origin.

The smallest, and perhaps the prettiest, of the subspecies is the Tunisian Spur-Thighed Tortoise. It has a particularly bright and striking coloration. However, these are also the most sensitive tortoises of the species, so that they cannot be kept outdoors in temperate climates, as cold and rainy summers quickly cause the animals to become ill. They are also incapable of a long hibernation.

At the other extreme, animals from northeastern Turkey are very robust, like Hermann's Tortoise. The largest specimens come from Bulgaria. Specimens of 7 kg (15 lb) have been reported. In comparison, the Tunisian Tortoise has a maximum weight of 0.7 kg (1.5 lb). Testudo graeca is also closely related to the Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata). The two species can interbreed, producing offspring capable of reproduction.
gracious, JoseMiguel, XOTAELE, Juyona, Silvio2006, jrobertop, uleko, Adanac has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello friend Iulian,
It's nice to see your posting again!
very well captured on this beautiful tortoise with total sharpness, natural colour and so much details in it!
the most important is the most useful notes regarding them!
TFS
all the best
Tony

Hello Iulian,
Very good one. Great content. Technically well done; good sharpness, colours, DOF, etc.
Great representation of the habitat.
Well done
TFS
Annick

Hi Iulian,
Some time no see your pics here!
I like this clear capture of the g. tortoise, in which we can observe its core patterns and the different layers that form it.
A very good composition with the greens and the sand.
Congratulation and thanks for share it.
My best regards,
JM

Hola Iulian.
Magníficos detalles y excelente nitidez.
Una nota bastante completa y extensa.
Un cordial saludo, JL.

  • Great 
  • Juyona Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2267 W: 10 N: 2646] (15625)
  • [2007-11-13 15:08]

Hola amigo,
precioso trabajo y foco...
geniales colores,
saludos

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1899 W: 36 N: 5579] (18518)
  • [2007-11-14 8:43]

Hi Iulian,
Wonderful shot of this Tortoise with nice colours/patterns. I like the natural surrounding and the soft lighting. Excellent POV and very nicely composed. Very educative notes too. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

Hi Julian, well returned with this lovely turtle with beautiful colors and splendid sharpness, very well done, ciao Silvio

Hello dear Iulian.
Great capture of this beautiful animal!
Slow... and ever!
Excellent colors and sharpness.
Very good composition and POV.
Well done!
Regards,
José Roberto

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3001 W: 162 N: 989] (2897)
  • [2007-11-17 1:58]

Hello Iulian,
I've only seen this species once in the wild and that was in Turkey. I like the way you've captured it against a nice rocky background with mosses and lichens. Good sharpness and fine natural colours in this fine composition.
Many thanks and have a nice weekend, Ulla

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 1 N: 5208] (17609)
  • [2007-11-17 15:25]

Hello Iulian.
Great image with sharp focus, great exposure and depth of field. Giving us a magnificent view of this tortoise and his surroundings.
Rick

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2007-11-18 14:41]

Hello Iulian

Wonderful capture!
The focus is sharp and you have captured excellent detail and texture.
The lighting is well utilized and the colours appear natural and well saturated.
Very interesting species.
TFS

Rob

  • Great 
  • Emiii Silver Note Writer [C: 8 W: 0 N: 30] (90)
  • [2008-01-14 3:10]

Nice
I'v seen a few of them in Hagieni and Constanta districts Romania

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