Testudo graeca
VU

Testudo graeca

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_tortoise

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise faces severe population declines primarily due to extensive collection for the international pet trade, which has removed millions of individuals from wild populations across its range. Habitat degradation from agricultural intensification, urban development, and overgrazing by livestock has fragmented remaining populations and reduced suitable nesting sites. Climate change poses an emerging threat through increased drought frequency and altered vegetation patterns in its already arid habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoises inhabit dry, rocky hillsides, scrublands, oak woodlands, and semi-arid grasslands across the Mediterranean basin. They prefer areas with scattered vegetation that provides both food sources and shelter, typically at elevations from sea level to 1,500 meters.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Conservation measures underway

Legislation

Other threatened species in TESTUDINIDAE

Indian Star TortoiseVU

Indian Star Tortoise

Geochelone elegans

Declining
VU

Chelonoidis vandenburghi

Increasing
Eastern Santa Cruz Giant TortoiseCR

Eastern Santa Cruz Giant Tortoise

Chelonoidis donfaustoi

Increasing
VU

Sonoran Desert Tortoise

Gopherus morafkai

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Testudo graeca classified as Vulnerable?
Testudo graeca is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise faces severe population declines primarily due to extensive collection for the international pet trade, which has removed millions of individuals from wild populations across its range. Habitat degradation from agricultural intensification, urban development, and overgrazing by livestock has fragmented remaining populations and reduced suitable nesting sites. Climate change poses an emerging threat through increased drought frequency and altered vegetation patterns in its already arid habitats.
Where does Testudo graeca live?
Testudo graeca occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Testudo graeca?
The main threats to Testudo graeca are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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