smell and dig in the soil, even tasting it, before choosing the ideal spot to lay the eggs. One or two days before egg laying, the female takes on an aggressive, dominant behavior, mounting another animal as for copulation and making the same squeaking sound the male produces during copulation. The purpose of this behavior is to produce respect in the tortoise community so that the female will not be disturbed by the others during egg laying. Further details of egg-laying behavior are the same as those detailed for the marginated tortoise. Trade The Greek tortoise is commonly traded as a pet in source countries such as Morocco and Spain, despite the illegality of this trade. This can lead to an unsustainable removal of wild individuals for the local pet trade and for export. Also, welfare concerns exist with this trade, as the animals are not properly housed when being sold, causing a high rate of mortality in captivity. Food In captivity, the Greek tortoise loves dandelion leaves and other leafy plants. However, although they also enjoy eating lettuce, it is not recommended to them due to having a lack of nutrients that the tortoises need to survive. See also List of reptiles of Italy Mediterranean tortoise Timothy (tortoise) Jackson ratio References External links European Tortoises. (in German). Broasca Testoasa Greaca - Testudo graeca. (in Romanian). Testudo (genus) Reptiles described in 1758 Tortoise Fauna of Spain Reptiles of Armenia Reptiles of Azerbaijan Turtles of Europe Turtles of Asia Species endangered by the pet trade Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus Reptiles of Russia Reptiles as pets