All about the Marginated Tortoise
Outline
The Marginated tortoise's is a relatively under-rated species of arid tortoise. Testudo marginata originally came to the US back into the 1970's under the group of Mediterranean tortoises. Although they have been imported for years, large groups have not been established such as some of the other species of testudo available. This has caused a scarcity of Marginate Tortoises available in the pet industry, with average consumers rarely even seeing animals these animals
It is noted Marginated Tortoises and certain species of Greek Tortoises have produced viable hybrids in nature. It, of course, is NOT recommended to purposefully dilute the genetic availability of these animals in captivity, but more-so to categorize the overlapping territory these two have.
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Marginated Tortoises are considered an easier starter tortoise due to their hardy nature, and great for first time tortoise hobbyists.
Coloration & Characteristics
Marginated Tortoises are undeniable very different when compared to any other tortoise available on the market. They are large, and they have a very interesting and particular shell shape which is undeniably intriguing.
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Marginated Tortoises can be measured two ways, by their carapace (top) or by their plastron (bottom). It is important to distinguish between the two.
Most Marginated Tortoises have a plastron between 9 inches and 10 inches, with males and females being similar lengths for full gown specimen. On the other hand, the carapace will be up to 14 inches long.
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The distinct different between these two measurements is also why these tortoises are named Marginated Tortoises. The rear margin flair of the carapace can grow up to 4 inches long, resembling the brim of a hat, in a spectacular displace of diversity.
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Marginated Tortoises can also be a variety of colors, displaying blacks, reddish brown, and tan.
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As hatchlings, these animals are very easy to confuse with other testudo species hatchlings. There is one way which is the most definitive and simplest way to tell these animals apart.
The belly pattern looks similarly to that of a Hermanns Tortoise with clear and defined blotches along each scute. The different is the placement of the pattern, originating from the top margins of each scute (the side closest to the face).​​​
The black marginated tortoises is pictured left.
The normal pattern on the right
Color variation in babies is very different than the parents. Most have either a peach or tan base color.
For our group of black marginated tortoises, the black coloration develops as they grow to be adults.
Breeding
The male Marginated Tortoise usually has a high drive to breed. It is recommended to keep a minimum of 1.3 per group of Marginated Tortoises (1 male to 3 females).
Although their courtship is less aggressive than some other species of tortoises (like the Russian Tortoises and the Hermanns tortoise), they can be demanding and insistent. For the health and wellness of your female tortoises, its always good to provide a break for them, create visual barriers in the enclosure and provide the space so they can get away from the males.
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In our incubator, the time frame is 58-69 days (average of 63 days) at a consistent 86 F. Our females are still relatively young which is why the hatch time frame is such a small window and very consistent.
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Naturally, ground hatched babies will take longer. Eggs will diapause in the ground, so, although they are more likely to still develop during those 58-69 days, there is a portion of time with no development or slow development which can be unpredictable. This time frame can move all the way up to 100-150 days in comparison from lay date. Eggs laid in the ground in April and May will tend to hatch around August and September of the same year.
Habitat
The Marginated Tortoise​ is found in Tuscany, Turkey, Albania and Greece. They have been introduced to other regions through trade and translocation throughout Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Northern Macedonia, and Spain. Comparatively to Hermanns, Marginated tortoises are mountain locked, and further inland, even though it appears the locations they are found in appear similar.
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These locations are mountainous arid and rocky Mediterranean locations. They are from a much higher altitude than other testudo found across the Mediterranean. In the wild, these little tortoises have been found at locations as high as 5,000 feet. Even though they are found on high altitudes, a plethora of vegetation is still readily available for them. These mountainous areas will still be dense with meadows, evergreen scrub and fields.
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This is why they are such prolific climbers in captivity. Much like Russian Tortoises, the marginata has long and strong limbs and they are very agile for their size.