Biodiversity in the Quarry: Testudo graeca

We were so happy to encounter our first Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise which is the only species of tortoise in Morocco. In terms of reptile conservation concern, this species is classified as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List. This individual belongs to an endemic subspecies found only in Morocco.

The Mediterranean Spur-thighed tortoise Testudo graeca graeca consumes some plants (e.g. Malva parviflora, Solanum nigrum, Ammi majus, Anagalis arvensis and Chenopodium murale) which could be toxic for mammalian herbivores because of toxic contents.