HERMANN’S, GREEK, MARGINATED, RUSSIAN & EGYPTIAN TORTOISES (Who is Who?)

Properly identifying tortoise species is no easy task. When it comes to genuses or groups where the included species are similar in appearance, it can be a nightmare. The European or Mediterranean tortoises of the genus Testudo are a prime example of a puzzling family of tortoises. Being the most popular group of tortoises in the world makes them on the forefront of most keepers' minds. Look no further than this video if you'd like a clear window into how to accurately tell the difference between Hermann's, Greek, Marginated, Egyptian and Russian tortoises!
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Who is Garden State Tortoise?
However you made it here, thank you and welcome to Garden State Tortoise. Garden State Tortoise is home to hundreds of animals from all around the world. We are a family dedicated to adventure, conservation of wildlife, and all things nature. We are a reptile rescue and breeding facility for more than ten years, offering refuge to those who need it, and working everyday to protect the beautiful world of reptiles in any way we can. Here on our KZbin channel you will be able to join us on our animal adventures while learning how to care for, protect, properly identify, feed and even breed many species of turtle, tortoise, snake and lizard. We even work with frogs and salamanders! We hope you enjoy our videos and help us share them with the world so we can continue to educate people of all ages about herpetology.
Chris and Casey Leone

[@sketchyinkblot2504]

This is by far the best channel for anyone who keeps a tortoise.

[@marsfeathers]

2:45 the guy in the left corner pressed up against the glass is so funny 🤣 I love how whenever a turtle can't find purchase on the ground they just keep swinging their legs ajdjdjd so cute

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🤣

[@Sensekhmet]

Drama in the backgroud!

[@user-zf5sh1dn1o]

@@GardenStateTortoise how can I get a baby greek from y’all 🙏

[@patrickslaby69]

You should also cover the red foot tortoise and cherry head tortoise as they are similar looking to each other and are common in the pet trade!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Great idea

[@beverlyjensen443]

Are those two tortoises considered 'Mediterranean'?

[@richardwatterson7262]

@@beverlyjensen443 nope, as short as i know mediterranian tortoises are only 5, all mentioned in this vid. He just wants the same way this vid made for forest tortoises

[@krjoyner56]

To expand on this Ive got redfoot problems of my own! I have a juvenile tortoise that was sold to me as a redfoot, but 2 months later I believe it to be a Geochelone denticulata. The differences from her and the G. carbonaria, (I already own) seem to be more then just locale variances. I would love to get more help if anyone can assist me. Ive read as much (reputable information) as I could, but would love if someone wiser could point me in the right direction.

[@blastboygamerguy5204]

Don't forget yellow foots

[@20fiveCent]

This is officially one of my favorite channels.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!!!!

[@Salodanger75]

I have 2 russian tortoises and I love them dearly. 🥰 I've had tortoises for 47 years in my life and I'm 48... So whole my life. 🥰

[@loriw2661]

I just love learning, especially science based information. And while I’m too old to get a tortoise (I would love one! And its perfect here in south Florida) I still enjoy learning about them. Radiateds are my favs!🐢❤️🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you as always lori!

[@CCaleighC]

Thank you for this video! I've been super confused as what to call the pet turtles my boyfriend and I have! In German, they're called Greek turtles, but in English they're eastern Hermann's! Imagine my confusion trying to figure this out with just articles 😅

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Haha glad this helped!

[@Jesus_Wojak]

Ging mir genauso.

[@rebeccaloudermilk1145]

I learn a ton from you Chris. It's like going to a college every week. Thank you so much! By the way my 4 CBT are doing great that I got from you.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Rebecca that means so much to me!

[@dantewhiterose1958]

I would love the baby comparison. Your videos help us to learn. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say keep them coming! 👍

[@faux_acorns]

I have a Russian Tortoise named Todd. He’s about 10 years old and this video helped me learn more about him! I never thought I could learn more from all of my research. Thanks!

[@maggieshepherd8815]

Super informative! Thank You! 🙏

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Maggie!

[@pops-be-clean]

This was a great video the edits were amazing

[@Heatseeker872591]

Another great video from my favourite youtuber . Absoloutely love the hermanns and that greek

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 😊

[@TakoShinobi]

now this is what I have been waiting for! good stuff!! definitely looking forward to the babies differenciation!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@Herwaa]

amazing video and editing

[@mattdrake5834]

Great information! I would love to see a video of what you do with your Mediterranean hatchlings and yearlings during the winter! i’m curious as to how that would differ from your other winter videos dealing with the adult species. Thanks!

[@kirstysmith2903]

Your videos are so informative. You really should look to make a TV series, brilliant work 👏

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Kirsty!

[@cartasdebendicion1522]

Thanks you for these videos! I learn more about the differences… I really love tortoise!!!

[@tatehammer2094]

Amazing video I spend hours a week watching past videos

[@BlaineHeggie]

Love your videos!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks!

[@nathandegner5187]

Wow very interesting facts about tortoises I like it

[@xyriusd832]

Literally has always been my dream pet. Going to have to do more research but 🐢 are so cute!

[@DSheartlady]

more great information thanks for the posting😊

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Debra

[@DSheartlady]

@@GardenStateTortoise you are welcome🙂

[@paranerd7486]

Awww, saw one of your shorts. I'm a new sub. Can't wait to see all the antics you guys get into! I live in Trenton, Nj.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Glad to have ya on board!

[@rosesperfumelace]

Great info. Either tortoise or turtle they are all cute like old souls.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

They sure are 😀

[@amazingaquaticsandexotics3030]

it was epic seeing some testudo tortoises on my holiday in montenegro a few years back

[@timotejgorecan4350]

Great stuff.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you

[@midlandtortoise]

Another great video. Lets see some babies. Video suggestion locales for hermanni hermanni 🐢

[@naldy888ace8]

I'll go for Hermann's & the Egyptian tortoises 👍👍🐢🐢

[@twoturtletom]

Great video Chris and Casey! How did I not know some testudo have plastral hinges? I have long thought that the carapicial hinge of Kinixys is more about breathing and egg laying than protection. But I didn't realize that any other tortoises had any type of hinges. Very interesting - thanks for this - great video.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Tom!

[@chivonfortney1656]

1. I send so much love to these cute guys!!! I am a huge animal lover and I just want to send them love and if i could protect them from any threats I would. 2. I had a pet turtle once and I'm trying to look on the internet and see what he was. We had a good friendship and I miss him. ♥ My dad caught him for me when the turtle was just a small baby.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you for watching!

[@tyhunt7850]

Always love when Vinny gets some screen time, Dolly must be jealous🤣 Counting down the days until my own little egyptian tortoise arrives. If I’m lucky it will be Vinny’s!

[@tarasostapiuk8096]

Thanks. Very nice video👍👍👍 maybe you can make video about subspecies of greek tortoises or maybe you now more about subspecies of horsfield?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

It’s in our plans!

[@tarasostapiuk8096]

Great! I will wait 😊

[@marthahines1979]

Love your vidéos, so informative! Greetings from Seattle. By thé way what is native to thé northwest and what tortise would do well in wéstern Washington?

[@p.p.wienersson]

If you guys are ever in Massachusetts please go to the New England Aquarium and see if they’ll let you make a video about Myrtle!! She’s amazing

[@albumcos5807]

HEY IM A BIG FAN!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Awesome thank you!

[@kaseybridges5184]

This was very informative! thx! although i still don’t think i have them straight 🤔😂 I’d be very interested in a video on the babies please! Where i walk my dog we have wild/free-roaming tortoises & i thought they were hermanns & greeks but a photo i posted recently someone said it was a sulcata ? 🤷‍♀️ (i’m very new to tortoises) Also just yesterday i came across a baby (about half the size of a cigarette packet) & am wondering how much their markings change please? - in the summer i rescued a baby from some dogs & don’t know if this one i found yesterday was the same one? we rarely see babies there,most often we will find just empty baby shells 😥 I’d appreciate any help! 😁

[@gemmacruz8529]

Haven't watched the video yet,but since I've found your channel I've been trying to tell what kind of Mediterranean tortoise I have. It has been with us for almost 40 years.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Hope it helps!

[@gemmacruz8529]

@@GardenStateTortoise, it's a Graeca!!! I was kind of confused, but there's no doubt now... It has the spurs in the tights. Regarding colour it looks like a Hermann's tortoise. It's not as dark as the one you show in the video. Great video!!!

[@juliepeterson6880]

Yes, it would be fun to cover how to properly identify the babies.

[@lindamorgan4653]

Nice Video. In Germany, we call the Hermanns the GREEK... Testudo Hermanni Boetttgeri is in German "Griechische Landschildkröte". The one, you called the Greek, is in German "Maurische Landschildkröte". The Marginatas is "Breitrandschildkröten". The Russian also called Russian here and also "Steppenschildkröte" or "Vierzehenschildkröte". I like your videos and your enclosures are amazing!! 😍👌🏼🐢 Greetings from Germany. 💞

[@discountdinosaur]

Can you cover tropical tortoises around the world? I keep elongated and redfoots and am very interested in their similarities and differences.

[@RingoandCarlin]

I'd like to see a video on California desert tortoises. My Nana had a few back when she got them somewhere between the late 1960s and mid 1970s

[@dakotatigue3347]

I have two Russians and a Hermans tortoise they are amazing

[@amrkoptan4041]

lovely

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you

[@valoutecook]

Hi , yes of course. We would to have video on how to differentiate babies hermanni.

[@Asian_Jesus.]

3:35 for a flipped tortoise tring to get up

[@noongourfain]

Chris knows the most.

[@BoneCrezy]

hello brother greetings from Mexico I love your videos I would like to know what species otis belongs to

[@bethmarsh2465]

It would be nice if you did a video on red footed tortoises and cherry head tortoises

[@reaganomics40]

I love my little Russian tortoise! Thanks for the info!

[@_Shark__bait__]

How about American desert species? Gopher or Sonoran, and care? Love your channel!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Oh it’s comin!

[@evelyn_r]

LOL of course I wanna see more baby tortoises!

[@tracey3061]

yeeah a baby video would be great x

[@hisnewlife3543]

Hello! I am hoping you will see my question. I have a new hatchling baby eastern box turtle and I bought the tiny turtle food you use, I put him in water, he tasted some a spit it out. How do I get my baby to eat? I am so worried about him or her. Thank you.

[@bothloveme]

The Egyptians say that their turtles get sick quickly and suffer from many problems, and it is difficult for them to adapt to the fluctuations of the weather. And they often dies. And I say buyer should also take into consideration the size the turtle will reach when it grows up.

[@PK-oy4fe]

How the heck do you keep all the beautiful critters straight? 🤣😇❤️

[@Daniele84z]

Ciao cosa metti nel carapace per renderlo così lucido?

[@Kdenlinkgaming]

Can u cover sliders like yellow belly’s red ears?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Surely!

[@treasurecoastgypsy]

I noticed a tortoise, on you tube named TipToe, belonging to a young woman. Can you tell me ,what species is TipToe ?. Thanks.. Learning a lot from you!

[@beckyheard6083]

I love Tiptoe. His mom spoils him so. I believe he is a sulcata tortoise.

[@kathryngordon5115]

Weird question - but hoping you can help. I lived in Ky for most of my life at one point a turtle came across our yard - it was big enough to come up to my adult calf. I had never seen any turtle that big all my in ky except that once. Any idea what it might have been?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

It’s hard for me to say without a description of it. Could have also been an escaped pet.

[@thelastwoltzer]

Why did I expect the Russian turtle to have red stars? Lol

[@autumnhazlett4788]

I have 20 gallon long tank but i want to know if I could house a tortoise (i live in NY so out habitat is out of the question and my room is too small for a tortoise box) does anyone know what breed is best for a 20 gallon tank

[@DoorsToHideBehind156]

I'm sorry.... The accordion background music killed this video. It was too annoying. Gonna see if it has captions turned on and watch it muted 😂

[@joshuagraham3854]

So many different kinds of turtles that were improperly cared for exhibit pyramiding, it seems! 🤔I know diet and UV are big factors in shell growth, but what exactly is the diet causing to happen, that gives the scutes that unfortunate shape? Are the scutes just growing too fast? 😕

[@GardenStateTortoise]

It’s mostly related to improper hydration and then improper diet is secondary. I truly believe it’s from so much outdated information still out there. We have been trying for decades to tell people the right way to raise yet we still get so many that are grown badly.

[@fabianm.4217]

Show me the babies!!! ❤️

[@Handsome0326]

거북이 왜케 좋아하누 나처럼ㄱㅋ

[@saloumehsallyvaghei4185]

that’s the situation i got a captive bred russian from new jersey

[@shortmankushhead2153]

I would love to get a couple of the Egyptian tortoises and breed them. Any breeders in the comments please reach out

[@mediterralien]

I have 2 testudo graeca nabeulensis sometimes they're are as small as the Egyptian tortoise

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Yes they are!

[@Jesus_Wojak]

My Greek might be a pancakes, deformed Marginated one. The poor girl was sold in my petshop but not well kept there.

[@glisa3801]

BABIES!

[@lukedavis8596]

is it true that the Russian tortoise only has 4 front claws?

[@harboranimal]

Mine has only 4 toes per foot!

[@tedlawrence4189]

Question is: which one is the tastiest?

[@michaelscorner5889]

i have a russan tortoise

[@richardwatterson7262]

Hi Chris! Does a russian has slightly more fishy smelling urine than others? Or something wrong with mine?

[@mrghast7949]

noice

[@GardenStateTortoise]

👍🏻

[@janlvll5486]

Please do one on the different types of box turtles.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

It’s comin’!

[@Deshon_Holmes]

Am I the only one who notices the tortoise in the background? 😂😂

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🤣

[@matthewpetersen4417]

2:44 you have a upside down tuort.

[@Yitzhakofeir]

Egyptian Turtles also live in Israel, though only in the Negev

[@artanddebearickson9729]

I heard your comments on the short video about what turtles can feel through their shells. Would you consider asking you tube to stop allowing videos of people removing barnacles and other snail type predators from their shells. Many of them are very abusive , using butcher knives and hitting the turtles, they need to be taken down . Would you look at them and consider helping?

[@deauntairichard5230]

Where can I purchase a Egyptian tortoise and everything is legit

[@figg9417]

2:43 someone stealing the show

[@AmanSharma-zu8il]

I love Russian ❤

[@RC_Murphy]

Squinting at the population of horsfieldii in China like . . . I know they walk A Lot for little guys, but that seems excessive.

[@ImpulseHobby]

"Russian" tortoises don't live in Russia at all. There are few populations across the Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan. Some tortoises live in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Unlike the Mediterranean species, these tortoises have only 4 claws on the front legs.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

They actually do, despite what Wikipedia and other sources say, in very small pockets. Also, they are not the only Mediterranean species with only 4 claws as many Hermann’s tortoises do as well, particularly from areas such as Corsica and parts of the Balkans, to name a few.

[@ImpulseHobby]

@GardenStateTortoise I'm sorry, but you are wrong. They don't live in Russian south (Astrakhan region) near the Caspian sea. Some populations of Greek tortoises named Testudo Graeca Nikolskii and Tesudo Graeca Pallasi almost distinct in Russian part of the Caucasus (Sochi region).

[@GardenStateTortoise]

@@ImpulseHobby You’re still wrong, so I’d recommend doing some thorough research (not just copying and pasting what you’re reading because I know exactly where you’re taking that literature from) and then come back to this video. Thanks, good luck and take care.

[@ImpulseHobby]

@@GardenStateTortoise okay, okay... I'm not a hater, but I born in Kazakhstan, lived in Russia and now live and in Ukraine. I know my lands little better. Those Central Asian countries are independent over 30 years. Modern f**g Russia is not equal to all post soviet republics. Okay? BTW Here's the Clint's video about non-russian russian tortoise. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWingZuqoLmJirc

[@rysn4566]

Why is that russian flat like a pancake? I had a pet russian when I was little and it was not quite that flat

[@tarasostapiuk8096]

Horsfield tortoises have a few subspecies

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Most are rather flat, notably more so than the other Testudo species but some are more domed.