Testudo ibera, formerly considered a distinct species but now generally treated as a subspecies of Testudo graeca, is a tortoise from the Caucasus and the Middle East. It is often referred to as the Iberian tortoise.
Lineage: Turtles and Tortoises (TESTUDINES) > Cryptodira (CRYPTODIRA) > Durocryptodira (DUROCRYPTODIRA) > Testudinoid Turtles Superfamily (TESTUDINOIDEA) > Tortoises (TESTUDINIDAE) > Typical Tortoises Subfamily (TESTUDININAE) > Mediterranean Tortoises (Testudo) > Mediterranean Tortoises Subgenus (Testudo (Testudo)) > Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo (Testudo) graeca) > Asia Minor Tortoise (Testudo (Testudo) graeca ibera). This path helps place the taxon within its family, genus, or species-level context.
Plate page 358
Chinese Name
欧洲陆龟伊比利亚亚种
English Name
Asia Minor Tortoise
Scientific Name
Testudo (Testudo) graeca ibera
Rank
Subspecies
Plate notes
Testudo ibera
Trivia
The taxonomic status of Testudo ibera has been debated; some researchers consider it a full species based on genetic and morphological data, but it is currently widely considered a subspecies.
Overview
Testudo ibera, formerly considered a distinct species but now generally treated as a subspecies of Testudo graeca, is a tortoise from the Caucasus and the Middle East. It is often referred to as the Iberian tortoise.
Scientific Name
Testudo ibera
Ecological Habits
Terrestrial, inhabiting dry scrub and forest edges. Herbivorous, feeding on vegetation. Hibernates in winter.
Major Threats & Conservation
Same as Testudo graeca: habitat loss, overcollection, and fragmentation. Protected by national laws and CITES.
Morphological Characteristics
Similar to Testudo graeca but with a more elongated carapace and smaller size. The spur on the thigh is often more prominent.
Natural Distribution & Conservation Status
Found in eastern Turkey, the Caucasus region, Iran, and possibly adjacent areas. Conservation status not separately assessed; included under Testudo graeca as Vulnerable.
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