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Species
Posted: 11/02/2013 by parimah

I want know the exact type & species of my tortoise

Re: Species
Posted: 11/02/2013 by TPGDarren

Then you need to supply a shot of the plastron to ID the exact type and species.

Re: Species
Posted: 11/02/2013 by Tom

Re: Species
Posted: 11/02/2013 by Tom

Re: Species
Posted: 11/02/2013 by Tom

Re: Species
Posted: 12/02/2013 by parimah

PLS check these 2 pics ,and also pls tell me if u know it is male or female

Re: Species
Posted: 12/02/2013 by parimah

http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/121.asp?viewset=Ardeshir&viewnum=2362

Re: Species
Posted: 12/02/2013 by parimah

Tom , did u write sth ? I cant see anything

Re: Species
Posted: 12/02/2013 by TPGDarren

NBorth African Spur-Thighed Tortoise (Testudo Graeca Graeca). To be honest I wouldn't like to hazard from what area?
At the moment it looks female, I can't see any indentation on the plaston to suggest it's a male - but it's not 100% as it's still quite young.
HTH

Re: Species
Posted: 13/02/2013 by parimah

She is from Iran, nearly north west of Iran
but i read , tgg is from spain &...

Re: Species
Posted: 13/02/2013 by TPGDarren

Have you your tortoise's license.
It is very difficult without DNA testing to be 100% sure where a tortoise comes from. Even in different parts of one country, they can evolve differently and can have different colourations due to natural borders (mountain ranges, rivers etc). But if you have the paperwork, then you'll have a pretty good idea? May I please ask where you got him/her from and what his/her paperwork says?

Re: Species
Posted: 13/02/2013 by parimah

Honestly, I found her!
It was walking in the st!!!!
Its not common , and I dont know why it was there!
So I dont have any paper :(
I want know the species to find how I should take care of my little baby

Re: Species
Posted: 14/02/2013 by TPGDarren

If he's from Iran, they are quite unusual to find in the UK and he is more than likely a Testudo Graeca Ibera (of Iranian origin). They are protected by CITES and so do require a license for any commercial transaction, breeding or for moving from one border to another.

Here are some care sheets which will hopefully help. Though the colouration is going to be different from those shown in the photos on the care sheets as the Iranian Iberas are unusual to find in the UK.

http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/122.asp

 

HTH
Darren

 

Re: Species
Posted: 14/02/2013 by TPGDarren

Equipment:-

One rule of thumb when purchasing a tortoise set-up is that most of the Complete Tortoise set-ups sold by many dealers and pet shops often contain items that are inferior and inappropriate. - usually inferior lamps, unsuitable dried food, unsuitable bedding etc, so we would recommend all items are purchased separately. It may take a little more time….but worthwhile in the long-run

It is worth looking at getting the below lamp (Many so-called reptile specialists sell products that are far inferior to the below lamps and only slightly cheaper. A good lamp is critical for good tortoise growth.

                                                     

Equipment you will need:-

 

Indoor Enclosures/Tortoise Table

Either a small rabbit/guinea pig enclosure (best to get the larger one 1.2 meters) or a commercial (or home-made) tortoise table can be used. Tortoise Tables can easily be constructed with 4 lengths of wood and a base for very little money, probably as little as £10-£15

http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/58.asp

Despite what pet shops promote, vivariums aren't suitable for tortoises. Tortoises require a warm basking area - but also cooler areas in order to thermo-regulate (cool down) and to manage their well being properly. Vivariums offer an almost one temperature, which is totally unsuitable for tortoises.

 

Heating/Lighting

Lamps:-

http://www.megaray.co.uk/mega-ray-100w-self-ballasted-p-145.html

A combined heat/UVB bulb is recommended. One of the best on the market, both for the long-lasting quality of the UVB and they do not blow as frequently as other lamps:-

 

Lamp Holder (for use with above lamp):-

http://www.megaray.co.uk/clamp-lamp-p-34.html

Despite they are supplied with a clamp – the light should be suspended from directly above the tortoise. If it’s fitted to the side of the enclosure it can shine directly into the tortoises’ eyes and damage them………….yours too.

 

 

Lamp Stand

http://www.megaray.co.uk/large-lamp-stand-p-135.html

These actually look quite nice and are very handy.

 

 

A bag of topsoil or topsoil/playsand mix

You can purchase a bag of this from any garden centre for a few pounds– I find the Homebase topsoil is fine. Many reptile stores, pet shops and dealers sell expensive substrate, none of which are as good as soil and many do not provide a good habitat for a tortoise at all.

 

Water Dish – best NOT to get an expensive dish from a reptile store – a plant pot tray will suffice as they are shallow and are easy to climb in and out of (the shallowest available is best) – these can usually be purchased for less than £1

 

Broken stones or slate to go under the lamp so the tortoise can right itself if it turns over

HTH
Darren

 

Re: Species
Posted: 14/02/2013 by TPGDarren

May I ask if you are you in Iran please?
Kindest Regards

Darren

 

Re: Species
Posted: 15/02/2013 by parimah

Thnk u very much Darren
Yes Im in Iran_ Tehran


Re: Species
Posted: 15/02/2013 by TPGDarren

Hahaha - well that explains why you found it walking around then:-)
Good Luck with him:-)

Re: Species
Posted: 15/02/2013 by parimah

No
In the area that i found it, its not common ,a tortise in the St!
Its not related to the country
Anyway thnk u for ur usefule advise

 

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