This tortoise is very active, if any tortoise can be described that way. It likes to hunt for insects and snails, but prefers plants. It likes to forage and sun bathe. It is a smaller tortoise, about a foot in length.

Hermann's Tortoise nests in soft soil or sand, and the eggs hatch in about three months. Among the features which distinguish it from similar tortoises (other subspecies) is the flatter shape of its carapace ("shell").

If you had to choose the most typically "Sicilian" tortoise, this one would be a good candidate. In Greek and Sicilian mythology and folklore, it is usually Hermann's Tortoise that is depicted or described as the typical "land turtle." A hardy creature, this reptile can survive some remarkably extreme temperatures, even torrid ones, but cannot tolerate snowy winters. Not surprisingly, it often prefers an anonymous existence in Sicily's few remaining forests.

As a protected species, it should be immune to hunting and captivity, and few Sicilians disturb these beautiful tortoises because the unassuming creatures are usually invisible, easily camouflaged in grass or fallen leaves. Their niche has ensured their survival, at least for now. Truth be told, turtle soup was never terribly popular in Sicily (a fact proven by the lack of many recipes for it).

About the Author: Vincenzo Mormino is active in wildlife preservation throughout Sicily. He has written about the purple swamp hen, wild cat and other animals for previous issues.