Male turtles around Kirchheim: An unusual find!

Male turtles around Kirchheim: An unusual find!

The appearance of several Greek tortoises in the Kirchheim area is causing excitement and concern. A total of ten specimens have been spotted since the end of April, almost all of them males. These animals, which can reach an impressive shell length of 20 to 30 cm and a weight of up to 3 kg, are not only fascinating, but also strictly protected. The trade in specimens caught in the wild is prohibited, and bred turtles may only be sold with the appropriate permit, as the Esslinger Zeitung reports.

The finds include four males, identified by the letters M, S and A on their shells, and a female known as “Doro,” which has a distinctive L on its back. Sandra Nebe from the Animal Welfare Association emphasizes that she has never seen so many turtles abandoned at once. The unusual locations where the turtles were found - from forest areas to barbecue areas to streets - suggest that something is wrong. In most cases, the owners are not known, which leads animal rights activists to assume targeted abandonment.

Origin of turtles and animal welfare

The first two turtles were discovered on April 28, followed by eight more specimens, including a sea turtle. The biggest concern is the fact that the male turtles generally don't get along well with each other, which makes the situation at the reptile sanctuary in Munich complicated. They were housed there due to a lack of space, as some interested parties are available but often do not have the necessary knowledge or space to keep them in a species-appropriate manner.

Greek tortoises are not only pretty, but also highly endangered animals that are native to dry, open forests and open areas in the Mediterranean region. They have a life expectancy of 20 to 50 years in the wild and can even live up to 100 years as pets. Their way of life requires a special diet, which consists primarily of wild plants rich in fiber, and species-appropriate accommodation outdoors with enough space for sunbathing and hiding.

The right holding conditions

Keeping turtles in a species-appropriate manner means that they need at least 10 m² of space to feel comfortable. These reptiles are vegetarians and require a special diet. Both protein-rich ready-made feed and the addition of feed from other animals are prohibited, as this can lead to health problems. Regular water hygiene is also important for the turtles' health: they usually drink while bathing, which is why shallow water bowls must be provided.

Anyone interested can send information about the origin of the turtles found to the Kirchheim Animal Welfare Association. Animal rights activists are hoping for more information to help stop the worrying trend of abandoning these animals.

In summary, the welfare of Greek tortoises should be a top priority in order to protect this fascinating but critically endangered species and prevent future releases. For those considering the practice, a certain level of knowledge and responsibility is essential. schildkroeten-ratgeber.de and tierschutzbund.de offer valuable information to meet the needs of these special animals.