Hermann's tortoise / Testudo hermanni - Captured in the North Aegean region of Türkiye -
On Explore - July 18, 2024 - Thanks to all my Flickr friends!
Sometimes, nature is full of surprises for all of us. Every time I visit the olive groves, I inevitably encounter something different. Listening to nature, trying to understand and comprehend it is crucial and truly time-consuming. Whenever I encounter such surprises, I often find myself asking, "I wish I had started this passion in my childhood, if only I could have started."
Time ruthlessly passes within the cycle of life. Let's say to those who appreciate the value of time, and those who have eyes to see and perceive.
This morning, in the early hours among the olive groves, I encountered a Hermann's tortoise, about 3-4 months old by my estimation. It was clear it was thirsty. I took it to my friend Mehmet nearby, who has a vegetable and fruit garden, and gave it some water. I know they love tomatoes, and I was right—it immediately started its breakfast.
It will stay with Mehmet for a few days and then be released back into its natural habitat. I would have liked to share a single photograph with you, my Flickr friends, along with its short story in the morning sun.
Hermann's tortoise, scientifically known as Testudo hermanni, is a small species of tortoise commonly found in southern Europe, including Turkey. Within Turkey, they inhabit regions along the Mediterranean coast and inland areas. They prefer dry, open forests, maquis vegetation, and open grasslands. They are known to thrive in elevations ranging from sea level up to 2000 meters.
These tortoises are characterized by their small size and distinctive dark-patterned shells. Juveniles, in particular, are notable for their vivid shell patterns, often in shades of yellow or brown.
Hermann's tortoises are herbivorous, feeding primarily on a variety of grasses, wild flowers, fruits, and occasionally supplemented with insects in their natural habitat.
The population of Hermann's tortoises in Turkey is generally considered stable due to local conservation efforts and habitat protection measures. However, illegal hunting and habitat loss remain significant threats to this species.
If you've found a juvenile Hermann's tortoise, providing proper care and ideally reintroducing it into its natural habitat would be advisable.
I've captured some memorable moments with my camera, and I genuinely hope you'll experience the same joy in viewing these images as I did in capturing them.
Thank you immensely for visiting my gallery, whether you leave comments, add favorites, or simply take a moment to look around. Your support means a lot to me, and I wish you the best of luck and beautiful light in all your endeavors.
© All rights reserved by R.Ertug. Please refrain from using this image without my explicit written permission. If you're interested in purchasing or using it, feel free to contact me via Flickr mail.
Your comments and critiques are highly valued.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and explore :)
Hermann's tortoise / Testudo hermanni - Captured in the North Aegean region of Türkiye -
On Explore - July 18, 2024 - Thanks to all my Flickr friends!
Sometimes, nature is full of surprises for all of us. Every time I visit the olive groves, I inevitably encounter something different. Listening to nature, trying to understand and comprehend it is crucial and truly time-consuming. Whenever I encounter such surprises, I often find myself asking, "I wish I had started this passion in my childhood, if only I could have started."
Time ruthlessly passes within the cycle of life. Let's say to those who appreciate the value of time, and those who have eyes to see and perceive.
This morning, in the early hours among the olive groves, I encountered a Hermann's tortoise, about 3-4 months old by my estimation. It was clear it was thirsty. I took it to my friend Mehmet nearby, who has a vegetable and fruit garden, and gave it some water. I know they love tomatoes, and I was right—it immediately started its breakfast.
It will stay with Mehmet for a few days and then be released back into its natural habitat. I would have liked to share a single photograph with you, my Flickr friends, along with its short story in the morning sun.
Hermann's tortoise, scientifically known as Testudo hermanni, is a small species of tortoise commonly found in southern Europe, including Turkey. Within Turkey, they inhabit regions along the Mediterranean coast and inland areas. They prefer dry, open forests, maquis vegetation, and open grasslands. They are known to thrive in elevations ranging from sea level up to 2000 meters.
These tortoises are characterized by their small size and distinctive dark-patterned shells. Juveniles, in particular, are notable for their vivid shell patterns, often in shades of yellow or brown.
Hermann's tortoises are herbivorous, feeding primarily on a variety of grasses, wild flowers, fruits, and occasionally supplemented with insects in their natural habitat.
The population of Hermann's tortoises in Turkey is generally considered stable due to local conservation efforts and habitat protection measures. However, illegal hunting and habitat loss remain significant threats to this species.
If you've found a juvenile Hermann's tortoise, providing proper care and ideally reintroducing it into its natural habitat would be advisable.
I've captured some memorable moments with my camera, and I genuinely hope you'll experience the same joy in viewing these images as I did in capturing them.
Thank you immensely for visiting my gallery, whether you leave comments, add favorites, or simply take a moment to look around. Your support means a lot to me, and I wish you the best of luck and beautiful light in all your endeavors.
© All rights reserved by R.Ertug. Please refrain from using this image without my explicit written permission. If you're interested in purchasing or using it, feel free to contact me via Flickr mail.
Your comments and critiques are highly valued.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and explore :)