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When the importation of Mediterranean tortoises was banned in 1984, it became necessary to obtain a licence when wanting to sell certain species of Mediterranean tortoise, namely the Spur-thighed, Hermann's, Marginated and Kleinmann's Tortoise. The Pancake Tortoise also needs a licence. In addition, all animals over 10 cm shell length (measured in a straight horizontal line) must be microchipped, and the microchip number has to appear on the licence. The onus is on the SELLER, not the buyer.
Licences are obtainable from:
- D.E.F.R.A (Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs),
Temple House, Zone 1/17,
2 The Square,
Bristol SS1 6EB.
Tel 0117 372 8691.
Website (on which licensing certificates appear): www.ukcites.gov.uk
Tortoises are available through the pet trade at present. Endangered species such as Spur-thighed, Hermann's, or Marginated Tortoises can be offered for sale under licence and must be captive bred. This will be stated on their certificates.
Non-endangered species are also sold, such as the Horsfield Tortoise from eastern Europe, or tropical species like the beautifully marked Leopard Tortoise from eastern Africa, and hatchlings or juveniles of the Sulcata (or Giant Spurred) Tortoise from Senegal. These latter two grow very large, do not hibernate and need roomy heated accommodation. In addition they have large appetites and are difficult and expensive to keep.
If you are considering buying a tortoise, our advice is to join a reputable organization such as the British Chelonia Group, a registered charity concerned with all chelonia. Not only will you be able to obtain relevant information on the identification and husbandry of these animals, but you will also be able to buy directly from one of the breeders. They will advise you on the right conditions for keeping the animals and provide you with their history and feeding regime.
If you have never kept a tortoise, very young hatchlings may look appealing, but more fragile than juveniles or adults, and you will need a heated vivarium to keep them successfully.
The checklist below will help you choose a healthy animal.
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| NOSE | The nose should be dry with no sign of discharge or bubbling. |
| EYES | Eyes should be shiny and black, and both should be well open. |
| EARS | Although these may not be obvious, tortoises do have ears. Look along outside of-the neck on each side of the head; there should be two dark circular markings. These should be smooth - any lumps or swellings could indicate an ear abscess. |
| MOUTH | If you can open the mouth, you should see a nice pink tongue. Any drool or a white discharge inside the mouth could indicate a condition called stomatitis. The beak should fit snugly, with the upper section just covering the lower section. Overshot or undershot beak (where either the upper lower jaw is too long) can sometimes lead to problems with feeding. |
| TAIL | The tail should be dry and clean, unless there is evidence that the animal recently passed water. If there is any faecal matter in the area, check that it is not runny and that there are no signs of worms. |
| SHELL | The shell needs to be firm to the touch under gentle pressure, except in the case of newly born hatchlings. Check the underside (plastron) for signs pinkness, which may indicate a lack of calcium or the start of septicaemia Any signs of softness may indicate shell rot, a serious condition requiringh veterinary treatment. |
| LIMBS | Ask if you can see the animal walk before you buy. Do not choose a cold time when the animal may not want to move, or a very hot time when it will probably be resting . When it does walk it should be high on its feet and not drag its plastron along the ground. |
| SKIN | The skin around a tortoise's neck is quite soft and occasionally flakes off in small pieces, this is quite natural. | |
