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World Wide Distribution: | |||
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It is a widespread species from N. Africa to S. Europe and S. W. Europe with a vertical distribution of up to 2000m. However many populations were greatly reduced due to over collecting for the pet trade. Although there is a healthy population currently in Lebanon collecting can rapidly destroy populations. As well as decimating local populations collected animals, exported illegally often die in transit. Listed on the IUCN red list as Vulnerable (see Conservation). |
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Habitats | |||
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Found in a variety of habitats the Spur Thighed Tortoise is a gentle herbivore (mostly!) In Lebanon: The tortoise is widely distributed, although missing from heavily urbanized areas and the high peaks. Along the coast it has been lost from many areas due to habitat loss from construction. Behavior: A proverbially slow species it feeds through the day on leaves flowers and fruits but will also eat at carcasses. Courtship is in the spring and females lay 3 to 5 eggs in 2 or 3 clutches each year. |
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