All tortoise species are protected and should NOT be disturbed in their natural environment. Land tortoises inhabit dry slopes, generally south-facing and at low elevations. They are not found in Sofia parks or the northern slopes of Vitosha. If you find a tortoise in these areas, call us for instructions what to do.
If you find a tortoise elsewhere in nature, first make sure that it is in an ATYPICAL for the species habitat, before taking any steps whatsoever to remove it. (Every such action causes the animal stress!)
Links: Testudo Breeding Centre
The breeding centre near Dragoman was created with the aim of preserving the local population of Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni), by first establishing a genetically stable colony in a controlled environment.
Tortoises are beautiful, but taking them is forbidden and lethal for them!
