Testudo Hermanni Research Articles

Seasonal and Sexual Variations in Corticosterone and Total Triiodothyronine: A Pilot Study in Mediterranean Tortoises (Testudo hermanni).

The Mediterranean tortoise Testudo hermanni inhabits different regions bordering the northwestern Mediterranean. This species is vulnerable, protected by legislation, and involved in various breeding and reintroduction programs. Wild populations face numerous environmental and anthropogenic stressors that can potentially interfere with their conservation. While seasonal changes in stress-response biomarkers, such as glucocorticoids and thyroid hormones, have been widely studised in mammals and birds, there is a paucity of research in reptile species. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the seasonal fluctuations in corticosterone and total triiodothyronine levels in adult and juvenile Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni) as a measure of the physiological stress response. Blood samples were collected seasonally (winter, spring, summer, and autumn) and posteriorly analyzed by using a specific and validated enzyme immunoassay for both hormones, respectively. The results showed that corticosterone levels varied seasonally and differed between sexes, whereas total triiodothyronine levels changed seasonally but did not differ between sexes. Notably, juveniles exhibited no seasonal changes in either corticosterone or total triiodothyronine levels. Additionally, no correlation between blood extraction duration and hormonal concentrations was observed. This study is pioneering in its comprehensive evaluation of corticosterone and total triiodothyronine changes across all four seasons, including winter, and its focus on juvenile Hermann's tortoises.

Trace Elements in Hermann's Tortoises (Testudo hermanni) According to Sex, Season, and Sampling Region in Central Europe.

Some trace elements are essential for the health of vertebrates, but little is known about their function, the amounts required, and the factors influencing their metabolism in tortoises. The aim of this study was therefore to measure trace elements (chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn)) in heparinized blood plasma of Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni) (n = 520) from March to September 2022 using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and to establish specific reference intervals. Additionally, the influence of sex, season, and region of sample collection on the measured values were evaluated. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) sex-specific differences were found for Cu, Mg, and Mn; seasonal differences were found for Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, and Se; and the region in which the tortoises were kept significantly impacted Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mo, and Se levels. The results show that all of these factors should be consider when establishing and interpreting blood trace element levels in tortoises.

Corrigendum: The effects of sex, season, and natural sunlight on plasma vitamin D3 levels in two chelonian species (Testudo hermanni, Trachemys scripta) and their interaction with calcium, phosphate, and magnesium as associated plasma compounds

Corrigendum: The effects of sex, season, and natural sunlight on plasma vitamin D3 levels in two chelonian species (Testudo hermanni, Trachemys scripta) and their interaction with calcium, phosphate, and magnesium as associated plasma compounds

Chondrocranial anatomy of Testudo hermanni (Testudinidae, Testudines) with a comparison to other turtles.

Using histological cross-sections, the chondrocranium anatomy was reconstructed for two developmental stages of Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni). The morphology differs from the chondrocrania of most other turtles by a process above the ectochoanal cartilage with Pelodiscus sinensis being the only other known species with such a structure. The anterior and posterior processes of the tectum synoticum are better developed than in most other turtles and an ascending process of the palatoquadrate is missing, which is otherwise only the case in pleurodiran turtles. The nasal region gets proportionally larger during development. We interpret the enlargement of the nasal capsules as an adaption to increase the surface area of the olfactory epithelium for better perception of volant odors. Elongation of the nasal capsules in trionychids, in contrast, is unlikely to be related to olfaction, while it is ambiguous in the case of Sternotherus odoratus. However, we have to conclude that research on chondrocranium anatomy is still at its beginning and more comprehensive detailed descriptions in relation to other parts of the anatomy are needed before providing broad-scale ecological and phylogenetic interpretations.

Body condition scoring facilitates healthcare monitoring in Hermann's Tortoises (Testudo hermanni ssp.).

Clinical assessment of body condition is crucial in captive and free-ranging reptiles, since a large percentage of diseases result from inadequate nutrition. However, preventive health care is restricted by the lack of a practical method for the assessment in tortoises. Pre-existing evaluation systems based on weight and shell measurements are laborious and ignore the clinical presentation of the animal. The present study aimed to facilitate the assessment by establishing a body condition score. A total of 373 Hermann's Tortoises (Testudo hermanni) (n = 281 tortoises kept as pets in Germany and n = 92 tortoises originating from a free-ranging population (68) or a rearing station (24) in France) were examined and data (weight (g), carapace length (cm), width (cm), height (cm)) were recorded in a standard protocol between October 2020 and October 2021. A modified version of a body condition score for Mojave Desert Tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) (1 = cachectic, 3 = ideal, 5 = obese) was utilized and tested against pre-existing shell measurement systems (Jackson's ratio, body condition index, volume condition index, circumferential product). German captive tortoises were significantly heavier and larger than French specimens. In the Spearman's correlation matrix, the body condition score showed a statistically significant correlation with all measurement methods in the total population of captive tortoises (Testudo hermanni boettgeri), with a medium correlation strength, and a lack of correlation in free-ranging tortoises (Testudo hermanni hermanni). However, individual animal data suggested misleading results of mathematical equations in terms of body condition. Clinical evaluation of tortoises, including a body condition score, should be considered essential to provide good healthcare and should be an integral part of general examination.

Blood Cell Types and Abnormalities in Free Ranging Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) Populations from Different Habitats

Testudo hermanni is considered near threatened globally in the wild. In this study differential leukocyte percentages, nuclear abnormalities, and erythrocyte morphology abnormalities of Testudo hermanni populations from two different habitat types in the Thrace Region were determined to whether habitats have a potential effect on blood cells. A total of 37 tortoises, 18 from an open habitat in Kırklareli/Karakoç, and 19 from an isolated habitat in Edirne/Keşan were studied. According to the results obtained from the Micronucleus Test, which detects genotoxic damage, there was no statistically significant difference between the two habitats. There were statistically significant differences in erythrocyte morphology abnormalities and differential leukocyte count between two populations, such as frequencies of anucleated erythrocyte, nuclear shift, elliptical shape distortion, monocyte and eosinophile percentages. This is the first study examined nuclear abnormalities of Testudo hermanni in Türkiye.

Automated hematological cell count using sysmex XN-1000V in Testudo hermanni: Agreement with manual count

Mediterranean area represents the main habitat of Testudo hermanni. Clinical signs of disease of these tortoises are non-specific, making the hematology results crucial in revealing underlying pathological conditions. However, accurate automated identification of blood cell populations is hampered by the presence of nucleated erythrocytes (NRBC) and thrombocytes (Thr), necessitating manual methods such as counting chambers. The aim of the study was to assess the performance of the novel automated hematology analyzer Sysmex XN-1000 V, which includes a a specific channel (WNR) for counting NRBC, in accurately identify and quantify the different blood cell populations of Testudo hermanni. Additionally, its agreement with manual counts was evaluated. Fifty heparinized blood samples were initially counted using the Neubauer improved chamber and then analysed twice with Sysmex XN-1000 V. Thirteen out of 50 samples were instrumentally counted again after 48 h to assess the inter-assay precision. All WNR scattergrams were re-analysed using an ad hoc gate panel to differentiate two populations: NRBCs (weak fluorescence signal) and WBC + Thr (high fluorescence signal). Sysmex XN-1000 V demonstrated optimal intra- and inter-assay precision for NRBCs (CV 0.98% ± 1.96; 1.31% ± 2.98) and moderate precision for WBC + Thr (CV 9.24% ± 16.61; 12.69% ± 10.35). No proportional nor constant errors were observed between the methods for both the populations. The instrumental NRBC counts were consistently slightly lower, while WBC + Thr counts were slightly higher compared to manual counts. These findings suggest that Sysmex XN-1000 V can be used for analyzing cell populations in heparinized blood of Testudo hermanni. However, specific instrumental reference intervals are suggested.

PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE HERPETOLOGICAL FAUNA FROM CORCOVA (MEHEDINȚI COUNTY)

The paper presents preliminary data on amphibian and reptile fauna from Corcova (Mehedinți county). The commune, with an area of 75.32 km2, is located in the south-west of Romania (north-east of the county), on the right bank of the Motru River. Hills prevail in terms of landforms. The study aimed to update the herpetological database with new information resulting from research conducted between March and October 2022. The preliminary list includes: 10 species of amphibians (Urodela - 3 species: Salamandra salamandra, Triturus cristatus, Lissotriton vulgaris and Anura - 7 species: Bombina bombina, Hyla orientalis, Pelobates fuscus, Bufotes viridis, Rana dalmatina, Pelophylax kl. esculentus, P. ridibundus) and 11 species of reptiles (2 species of turtles: Testudo hermanni, Emys orbicularis; 4 species of lizards: Lacerta agilis, L. viridis, Podarcis tauricus, Anguis fragilis; 5 snake species: Dolichophis caspius, Coronella austriaca, Zamenis longissimus, Natrix natrix, N. tessellata). The variety of habitats, the temperate-continental climate with sub-Mediterranean influences, the trophic resource have influenced the diversity of herpetofauna in the area. The highlighted species of amphibians and reptiles are listed on different national protectionist lists (ordinances, laws, etc.). Species that are subject to special habitat conservation measures have drawn our attention: Testudo hermanni, Emys orbicularis, Triturus cristatus, Bombina bombina, Pelobates fuscus (Annex 3 to OUG 57/2007).

THE GRASSLANDS AND SHRUBLANDS FROM THE CORCOVA HILLS, MEHEDINTI COUNTY, ROMANIA: OPTIMAL HABITATS FOR THE TESTUDO HERMANNI SPECIES

The studies were conducted in the hills located within the Corcova commune, an area with a significant Testudo hermanni population. The climate, with subtle sub-Mediterranean influences, along with a food source comprising wild shrub fruits and other vegetative organs, provided favourable conditions for the reproduction and survival of this species.
 The meadows in this region are predominantly characterized by plant associations such as Festuco-Brometea and Danthonio-Brachypodion. In some areas, the meadows are invaded by shrubs like Prunus spinosa and species from the Crataegus, Rosa and Rubus genera. One advantage for this species is the sandy substrate in the higher hills, which facilitates egg laying. As a result, approximately 100 young turtles begin their livesin this area each year. Recent climate changes, marked by very dry summers and autumns, the negative influence of zooanthropogenic factors in the area, etc. have determined the degradation of habitats. This resulted in the movement of turtles to other regions, including household areas and the Motru river meadow. Currently, the future distribution area of the Testudo hermanni species is uncertain, but it is expectedthat a reduction in the number of individuals in the population will be reached.

The effects of sex, season, and natural sunlight on plasma vitamin D3 levels in two chelonian species (Testudo hermanni, Trachemys scripta) and their interaction with calcium, phosphate, and magnesium as associated plasma compounds

Species specific physiology, seasonal changes, sex, and husbandry factors all influence the blood chemistry of chelonians, including vitamin D3, calcium, phosphate and magnesium levels. Problems in the supply of many of these are commonly seen in captive reptiles. The goal of this study was to measure vitamin D3, calcium, phosphate and magnesium in plasma from captive, healthy, adult Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni) and pond sliders (Trachemys scripta). Samples were categorized and compared based on species, sex, season, and access to sunlight as a central husbandry element. Blood samples of 522 Hermann’s tortoises and 188 pond sliders, taken from March to September 2022, were included in the study. New reference intervals for vitamin D3, calcium, phosphate and magnesium were established, with specific reference intervals calculated for each species, sex, and season in those cases in which significant differences were found based on these factors. For the calculation of reference intervals for vitamin D3 the factors species, season and access to sunlight were considered. Vitamin D3 levels differed by access to sunlight in some seasons depending on the species and were generally higher in Hermann’s tortoises. Plasma vitamin D3 levels did not correlate with calcium, phosphorus or magnesium levels on a larger scale in either species. Calcium, phosphate, and magnesium were higher in females than in males of both species, and magnesium was higher in Hermann’s tortoises than in pond sliders. Our results can be helpful in a more specific interpretation of blood results and support previous findings that direct sunlight is an important factor in chelonian health. More studies are needed to better understand the role of other hormonal influence on the vitamin D3, calcium, phosphate and magnesium metabolism in chelonians.

Biogenic Elements and Heavy Metals in Hermann's Tortoises-Testudo hermanni: Effect on Serum Biochemistry and Oxidative Status Parameters.

Conservation of species diversity is the need of the hour for preserving life forms on Earth. Extinction of any part of the ecosystem has negative impacts on many processes and systems. The objective of this work was to analyze some biochemical and molecular indicators and their correlations to biogenic elements and heavy metals in Testudo hermanni (n = 16). Biochemical parameters were analyzed using the commercial kit DiaSys and biochemical analyzer Randox RX Monza. Sodium, potassium, and chlorides were measured using the EasyLite analyzer. Oxidative stress was evaluated using colorimetric and luminometric methods. Quantification of chemical elements in the blood was carried out using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPS). Biochemical values of analyzed samples from Hermann's tortoises were almost the same as referential values described by multiple authors, with minor aberrations in the total protein parameter. Values of arsenic (As) and nickel (Ni) showed correlation with biochemical parameters and the parameters of oxidative stress. Cadmium (Cd) exhibited correlation with aspartate aminotransferase (AST). This study reports correlations among four heavy metals, and their levels were again correlated with biochemical and molecular parameters in Hermann's tortoises.

The current distribution and status of the Hermann’s tortoise, Testudo hermanni boettgeri (Reptilia, Testudines, Testudinidae) in Croatia

Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is listed as “Near threatened” in the IUCN Red list of endangered species. The importance of protecting the Hermann’s tortoise populations and its habitats have led to the inclusion of the species within CITES Convention (Annex II), Annex A of EU Wildlife Trade Regulation, Annex II of the Bern Convention and Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive. To assess the distribution and status of the eastern Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri) in Croatia, historical and recent records were gathered and analyzed. The species was recorded in all three biogeographical regions in the country, but it’s native to the Mediterranean and a small part of the Alpine region. With the increase of recent surveys and the use of citizen science platforms, the known range of the species in Croatia was increased by 35.8% and is now encompassing 123 10 × 10 km EEA reference grid cells. Most records (66%) originate from lower elevations (up to 199 m), and the highest was recorded at 570 m. Sparse forests are the most preferred habitats, followed by semi-open habitats, such as grasslands and shrubs. The most serious threat to the species is natural succession due to the increased abandonment of traditional farming and grazing. Other threats include touristic infrastructure and urban development, transportation, illegal collecting, and invasive species. The Area of Occupancy calculated using 2 × 2 km grids resulted in an AOO of 1,372.00 km2, while Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is calculated to be 18,145.07 km2. The current network of National protected areas includes 14% of the species’ AOO while the designated Natura 2000 areas include 29.30% of its AOO. We propose to designate an additional 10 Natura 2000 areas to help with the long-term protection of the species.

Effect of a subcutaneous implant of deslorelin acetate on serum testosterone concentrations in male Hermann's (Testudo hermanni sp.) and Greek (Testudo graeca sp.) tortoises.

Deslorelin acetate is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist formulated in a controlled-release subcutaneous implant and designed for reversible suppression of testosterone production in dogs. It has also been demonstrated to be effective in other animal species, but no data on its effectiveness in male land tortoises are available. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 4.7-mg deslorelin acetate implant on serum testosterone concentrations in male Hermann's (Testudo hermanni sp.) and Greek (Testudo graeca sp.) tortoises. Twenty adult male tortoises housed under the same environmental conditions were enrolled for the study and randomly assigned to a treatment (D, n = 10) or a control (C, n = 10) group. Starting in May, males from the D group were implanted with a 4.7-mg deslorelin acetate device, whereas males from the C group did not receive any treatment. Blood samples were collected once immediately before implant application (S0-May) and at 15 days (S1-June), 2 (S2-July), and 5 (S3-October) months after application. Serum testosterone at each sampling time was measured through a solid-phase, enzyme-labeled, competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay. Median serum testosterone concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups in all sampling times, and no interaction between treatment and sampling time was observed. The present study, therefore, suggests that a single treatment with a 4.7-mg deslorelin acetate implant has no effect on testosterone circulation in male Hermann's and Greek tortoises during the following 5 months.

Living in a Thermally Diverse Environment: Field Body Temperatures and Thermoregulation in Hermann’s Tortoise, Testudo hermanni, in Montenegro

Reptiles live in a range of different habitats from tropical forests to temperate zones where the climate may change on seasonal or a daily basis. The thermal environment is a major determinant of how efficiently they can achieve optimum or preferred body temperatures and, in terms of physiologically optimum body temperatures, these may not be possible in a natural environment. In this paper, null models have been employed to evaluate thermoregulatory efficiency in Hermann’s tortoise, Testudo hermanni, in high summer in central Montenegro when temperatures change on a daily basis. The study area is defined as a low-cost thermal environment and thus we assumed that tortoises should be able to achieve an efficient level of thermoregulation. However, the results varied and depended on where the tortoises operated and the weather conditions. High levels of efficiency were found during sunny weather in areas with abundant patches of shade and sunlit areas. These reflected the temperatures of models placed in these areas and in females during cooler cloudy weather when thermoregulatory effort increased. Model temperatures placed in partially shaded sunlit areas were in better agreement with tortoise body temperatures than models in other areas. Tortoise body temperatures were in closer agreement with set point temperatures than any of the null models placed in either open sunny, shaded or partially shaded areas, indicating that tortoise movement was non-random and due to active thermoregulation.

Detection of Testudinid alphaherpesvirus, Chlamydia spp., Mycoplasma spp., and Salmonella spp. in free‑ranging and rescued Italian Testudo hermanni hermanni.

Testudo hermanni is included as near‑threatened in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, while T. hermanni hermanni is considered endangered in the Italian Red List. Appropriate management of smuggled or seized wild individuals is recommended before their reintroduction into the wild. Accordingly, a health monitoring study was carried out. During 2014‑2016, 133 oral swabs and 121 cloacal swabs were collected from a total of approximately 180 free‑ranging and rescued T. hermanni hermanni from eight different Italian regions to investigate the presence of DNA of Testudinid alphaherpesvirus (TeAHV), Chlamydia spp. and Mycoplasma spp. in the oral cavity, and Salmonella spp. isolates in the cloaca. Mycoplasma spp. was detected in 52 out of 87 (59.77%) of rescued and in 1 out of 46 free‑ranging (2.17%) individuals; 33 out of 53 (62.26%) Mycoplasma spp. positive samples were typed as M. agassizii by PCR. Salmonella spp. was isolated from 45 out of 121 (37.19%) cloacal swabs, typed into 14 serovars, and characterized for complete antimicrobial susceptibility. A significantly different distribution of Salmonella spp. isolates was found in 2016 in comparison with 2014 and 2015, without any difference between free‑ranging and rescued tortoises. All the tested tortoises were negative for TeAHV and Chlamydia spp. These results are considered a baseline information critical to monitor the dynamics of these microorganisms in free‑ranging and rescued populations of T. h. hermanni, and to correctly approach the management of rescued animals and possible relocation programs.

Current Status of and Threats to Sicilian Turtles

Based on the critical review of the literature published in the last 22 years, an attempt was made to evaluate the current knowledge gap on the distribution and status of the native Testudines taxa occurring in Sicily (namely Caretta caretta, Emys trinacris, and Testudo hermanni hermanni), as well as the available knowledge of the only non-native species with putative viable populations occurring on the island, i.e., Trachemys scripta. Summarizing the current information, all of the Testudines species occurring in Sicily showed a fragmented and incompletely-known distribution, and only scarce data are available about their phenology. Moreover, despite their inclusion of international and national laws (Bern Convention, CITES, Habitat directive), all three native species are facing several threats (e.g., habitat alteration, the occurrence of invasive species, parasite spillover) leading to a reduction of their populations on the island. Future monitoring programs on the island should be enhanced, with an emphasis on those taxa in decline. Moreover, involve Citizen Science programs should also be implemented in order to increase the awareness of non-experts and facilitate the monitoring task.

Diet shifting of tortoise-eating Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in southeastern Bulgaria

Top predators may adapt their diets to changes in prey availability where human-induced environmental changes are intense. This long-term study of the breeding-season diet of Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) in the Strandzha Mountains analyzed shifts in diet caused by the population decline in principal prey species, the tortoises (Testudo hermanni and T. graeca). Tortoises comprised 50.0% of the eagle diet by prey number in the 1990s, but that share collapsed to 5.8% in 2014–2021. During this later interval, Golden Eagles preyed more intensively on lighter-weight prey such as Northern White-breasted Hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus, an increrase of 28.2% by number) and Edible Dormouse (Glis glis, an increase of 14.9% by number). Hedgehogs predominated in the diet of an individual eagle nest site for the first time in 1998 and became the principal prey in 2014–2021. Differences in food niche breadth and proportions of mesopredators between tortoise- and hedgehog-dominated individual annual diets were not significant, corresponding to a low level of food stress. The only eagle with an annual diet dominated by Squamata (snakes and lizards) was an exception, having the widest food niche. Young domestic ungulates have almost completely disappeared from eagle diets at the same as the reduction of tortoises, corresponding to a concurrent decline of livestock farming. The results obtained here have relevance to conservation management of both predator and prey populations.

Plastron color patterns allow for individual photo-identification in two different chelonian species

Natural marks have increasingly been used as a tool for individual identification in capture–mark–recapture techniques. Photo-identification is a noninvasive alternative to traditional marking techniques, allowing individual recognition of species through time and space. We tested the APHIS (Automatic Photo Identification Suite) software as a software capable of identifying individuals of Hermann’s Tortoise ( Testudo hermanni Gmelin, 1789) and European Pond Turtle ( Emys orbicularis (Linneaus, 1758)) in different populations during capture–release sessions in the field based on plastron color patterns, since they can be used as natural marks for identification. For this individual identification, spot pattern matching (SPM) and image template matching (ITM) procedures were tested, achieving 100% success of individuals recognized in both procedures and visually verified by comparing the images. However, the ITM procedure was more efficient at recognizing recaptures than SPM because ITM allowed faster recapture verification, since most of the matches were directly placed in the first position on the candidate list. Previous studies used photo-identification on freshwater or sea turtles but never with terrestrial tortoise species. Consequently, it was corroborated that APHIS is a competent and efficient software considering photo-identification of T. hermanni and E. orbicularis, and that it can be applied to close species with similar and unique individual color patterns in their plastron.

The last of the large-sized tortoises of the Mediterranean islands

Abstract Archaeological investigations carried out in the cave Zubbio di Cozzo San Pietro, Bagheria, Sicily, revealed the presence of a few skeletal elements of a large-sized tortoise in a funerary area dating to the Copper/Bronze Age. The tortoise has been AMS-dated revealing an age of 12.5 ± 0.5 kyr BP and therefore it pre-dates the funerary activities. The morphology of the retrieved skeletal elements differs from that of the only native tortoise currently living in Sicily, Testudo hermanni. The tortoise’s size significantly exceeds the size range of extant Te. hermanni and all Testudo spp., as well as that of their known fossils, and suggests a shell length of 50–60 cm. Repeated efforts to obtain DNA sequences from the tortoise of Zubbio di Cozzo San Pietro failed, but the morphology of the femur is distinct enough to allow us to erect a new taxon, Solitudo sicula gen. et sp. nov., based on a parsimony analysis. It belongs to a hitherto unrecognized clade that includes other large-sized tortoises from Mediterranean islands, like Malta and Menorca. A review of the pertinent taxa indicates that the remains here described represent the geologically youngest large-sized tortoise of the Mediterranean area.

Mycobacterial Cloacitis with Systemic Dissemination in a Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni)

Abstract In recent years, many nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species have been recognized as pathogens for humans and animals. Molecular diagnostic techniques enable rapid identification and characterization of the different species of mycobacteria. NTM are inhabitants of the soil and water, and enter the body through a defect in the skin or mucosa, causing infections in immunocompromised subjects. Mycobacteriosis has been described in reptiles, especially in chelonians, but the incidence seems to be low in captivity. To date, mycobacteriosis has been described only in three tortoise species. This report involves a captive Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) diagnosed with cloacal mycobacteriosis and subsequent systemic dissemination by histopathology and PCR. A Mycobacterium sp. belonging to the M. terrae complex was identified as the etiologic agent, and this is the first report of infection in reptiles by this organism.