Wild Tortoise In Greece
It’s a shame, but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a wild tortoise on Zakynthos. At one time it wasn’t uncommon to see one at the side of the road and I have on occasion stopped the car to move one to safety off the road.
Back in March, a group of us went on a walking mini-break to Tyros and it was on one of our walks there that we spotted this beauty. It was a fair size tortoise and didn’t seem overly worried by us. To be honest it was probably as thrilled to see us as we were it. It must get very lonely plodding around in the middle of nowhere.
Last night there was a rather large wildfire on the island. Unfortunately, it happens, fires start easily when everything is tinderbox dry. Whenever I see a wildfire I not only pay a thought for the people who risk their lives putting them out, I can’t help but spare a thought for the creatures that perish in them too. My guess is that we don’t see so many wild tortoises anymore because many of them die in wildfires. And I am no expert, but I’m guessing they aren’t prolific breeders either!
The fire last night got me thinking (dangerous, I know), one thought led to another and I was reminded of the wild tortoise we saw near Tyros. If I remember correctly I squealed with delight when we came across Terrence (so predictable!).
So let me introduce you, Terrence, the tortoise we saw near Tyros… Or maybe Tyros would be a better name for it? More unisex, as I have no idea how to tell the genders apart!
My Sunday Photo
There are several species of wild tortoise is Greece. I do believe Terrence (or Tyros) is a marginated tortoise… Isn’t Google wonderful?
Have you ever seen a wild tortoise in Greece?
© 2017, Debbie. All rights reserved.
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