what's the difference between a greek tortoise and a russian tortoise?

Answer 1

Probably more similarities then differences.They are both Mediterranean tortoises and inhabit dry, semi-arid to arid regions. In stark contrast to what a previous poster claimed, the Russian is about as far from being a tropical tortoise as you can get. It inhabits dry, desert- like rocky areas. They both have similar dietary needs, requiring a grassy high fibre diet with little fruit. They are closely related being in the same genus although the Russian has been assigned a sub-genus category.

Answer 2

Aside from the fact that they look different they require different habitats all together. The greeks need a more arid or dry habitat where russian tortoises need a more tropical environment. Their diets are similar I believe (mostly vegetation as with most tortoises). Greeks are usually more expensive also.

Answer 3

Greek tortoise, they have mystical powers granted by Poseidon.

Answer 4

Be careful...the Greek tortoise will always try to "bring up the rear!"

Answer 5

Note on Greek Tortoises
Common Name:Greek Tortoise, Spur-Thigh Tortoise

Latin name: Testudo graeca


Native to: Southern Spain, Northern Africa, and Eastern Europe and Middle East

Size: Adult carapace size is 6 - 7 inches. Hatchlings average 1½ - 2 inches.

Life span: Estimated to be over 50 years with proper care

General appearance: The coloration of the Greek tortoise is highly variable and can range from olive with dark spots in the middle of each scute on the carapace to a "golden" form which is almost entirely yellow in appearance.

Housing requirements:

Enclosure: The best enclosure for Greek tortoises is an open "turtle table" of approximately 4 feet long by 2 feet wide by 1 to 2 feet deep for an adult Greek Tortoise though the bigger the better. Often preformed plastic garden ponds can be easily converted for this task. Aquariums are not recommended for tortoises as they do not allow proper air circulation. Very large screen enclosures such as a "Reptarium" may also be adequate.

Temperature: A temperature gradient of 75° - 85° F should be provided with a basking area of 95° F. Nighttime temperatures can be allowed to drop to 75° F.

Heat/Light: Temperatures can be maintained by using incandescent basking bulbs, infrared heat bulbs or ceramic emitters. As with most species of tortoises UVA and UVB light sources need to be provided. This can be achieved with specialized fluorescent bulbs. Many have had great success with newer mercury vapor bulbs which provide both heat and UVA and UVB light in one bulb that fits into a standard incandescent fixture.

Substrate: A variety of substrates can be used. A sandy soil mix of 50% topsoil and 50% Caribbean play sand is often used with great success. Aspen shavings, milled coconut fiber and even compressed recycled paper (e.g. Carefresh) can also be used.

Environment: Greek tortoises are a terrestrial species which prefers a dry climate. A suitable place to hide should also be provided. Such hiding places can be constructed from rocks or plastic containers. Commercially manufactured caves can also be used.

Diet: The Greek tortoise is strictly herbivorous. They require a high fiber, low protein and calcium rich diet. Dark leafy greens such as kale, dandelion, mustard, collard and turnip greens should be fed regularly. Natural grasses and hays can also be provided. High protein foods such as commercially prepared dog and cat food and beans should be avoided at all costs since this will eventually cause renal failure due to the excessive protein. Fruits can be given sparingly since too many fruits will result in diarrhea and other health issues. If calcium supplementation is required try to use pure calcium carbonate. The bone of the cuttle fish can also be used and is commonly found in pet shops for calcium supplementation for birds.

Fresh water should be offered at all times in a shallow dish. Your tortoise will also appreciate a 10-minute soak in a shallow bath water to ensure proper hydration.





Note on Russian Tortoise

The Russian tortoise is a very interesting tortoise it has been next to the sulcata one of the most kept and easy husbandry of the tortoise family. The Russian tortoise is imported however leading to a decline in wild population. Imports can reach as high as 100,000 animals yearly only to the United States. These animals are packed into containers about 2 feet tall piled in each other leading to 30-50 percentile dead on arrival. These heavy importations will lead to endanger this common species as it did too many species before they were endangered. However they are a very easy going species of tortoise they can sustain extreme temperatures than that of other species. They are very hardy can do well in winter outside in southern states that get mild winters, and do fine also in southern states very hot summers. The Russian tortoise gets no larger than 10 inches in length over 9 to 15 year duration depending on UVB absorption and natural recreation of food intake and supplements. Natural sunlight cannot be mimicked in any relativity close to man made status, so it is wise to keep your tortoise outside especially if conditions are right.

There is also a species known as Marginated Tortoise which belongs to the family of Greek, Russian, Hermann, and Egyptian species of tortoise. The Marginated tortoise lives up too its name by getting extremely large flaring or marginating of there ventral scutes. There are two species of Marginated tortoises Marginata Marginata and Marginata Sardina . The Sardina species is located mainly only in Greece and Italy they are almost identical in ways but differ in minor fractions. Sardina gets more flaring of there scutes and has more of a pastel smeary pattern giving it a more unique look when they are adult. Marginata gets more of a defined organized pattern of black over yellow and has no smearing or pastel. Sardina has a pattern of more along the lines of Pardalis Pardalis leopard tortoise. They both get the same size 14 inches or slightly larger sometimes get 16 inches. Very pretty as adults and somewhat harder too find since 1970's European tortoise import/export ban

Answer 6

What language they speak and the food they eat!

Answer 7

one's greek and one's russian?

Answer 8

one's from Greece and One's from Russia

Answer 9

Is there a punch line to this?

Answer 10

where they live