The marginated tortoise (Testudo marginata) is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae. The species is endemic to Greece, Italy, and the Balkans in Southern Europe. It is the largest European tortoise. The marginated tortoise is herbivorous, and hibernates for the winter.

Do Marginated tortoises need to hibernate?

Marginated tortoises would hibernate naturally in the wild through the winter months. We recommend your tortoise is hibernated each year between 4 and 8C for 3-4 months.

Does my tortoise have to hibernate?

Generally speaking, tropical tortoises such as the leopard tortoise don't need to hibernate. Hibernating can be risky for very small tortoises, so never try to hibernate a sick or underweight tortoise that has not fed well throughout the summer.