Spur-thighed Tortoise

Description:

The Spur-thighed Tortoise or Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca) is often confused with Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni). However, there are some notable differences:

1. The Spur-thighed Tortoise has one whole shield plate above the tail where Hermann's Tortoise has this shield plate split in two;
2. The Spur-thighed Tortoise has notable spurs on each thigh where the Hermann's Tortoise doesn't;
3. The Spur-thighed Tortoise (usually) has large scales on the front legs where Hermann's Tortoise has small scales;
4. The Spur-thighed Tortoise (usually) has large symmetrical markings on the top of the head where Hermann's Tortoise has only small scales;
5. The Spur-thighed Tortoise (usually) has a dark central fleck on the underside (plastron) where Hermann's Tortoise has two black bands.

During my hike to the top of the Macin Mountains, I bumped into this little fellow.

Macin Mountains, Tulcea County, Romania, 22 May 2018

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