You're in > TPG Members Forum > Tortoise General Questions > Identifying different subspecies

Identifying different subspecies
Posted: 28/05/2016 by Jane_d

Please could someone explain to me how you tell the difference between a Spur -Thigh Ibera and a Testudo graeca graeca ? Thank you in advance 

Re: Identifying different subspecies
Posted: 28/05/2016 by Tom

Hello,

Just upload some photos & I'll identify.

Tom

Re: Identifying different subspecies
Posted: 29/05/2016 by Jane_d

Ok Thank you I have attached a photo. She is approx 170  mm and weighs 1375. 

Re: Identifying different subspecies
Posted: 29/05/2016 by Jane_d

Re: Identifying different subspecies
Posted: 29/05/2016 by Tom

Does it have a spur on each thigh ?


Re: Identifying different subspecies
Posted: 29/05/2016 by Jane_d

Yes, the cert says hatched 2002 Testudo graeca, I have had her about 10 years, she a lovely gentle girl. I am not sure what sub species ? 

Re: Identifying different subspecies
Posted: 29/05/2016 by Tom

It's T. ibera.


When the import ban began in 1984, all Spur-thighed torts around the Mediterranean Sea were described as T. graeca by 'scientific' advisers. Thus all Spurs' are classed as graeca, whereas most in the UK are ibera.

Sadly many graeca died having been mixed with ibera, which are from a different continent & carry different 'bugs' [putting it simply].

She is a different species rather than subspecies.

Tom

Re: Identifying different subspecies
Posted: 29/05/2016 by Jane_d

Thank you for explaining Tom, much appreciated and interesting.                                                                                                                                                                Jane 



 

web designer: www.beework.net