Editing Greek tortoise (section)

==Subspecies==
The classification of the Greek tortoise (''Testudo graeca'') into subspecies is complex and sometimes inconsistent due to its extensive distribution across North Africa, Southern Europe, and Southwest Asia. Diverse environmental conditions across this range have resulted in a wide array of morphological variations. As of 2023, at least 20 subspecies have been described, with the following 12 currently recognized as valid:<ref>Genus Testudo at The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.</ref>

* ''T. g. graeca'' Linnaeus, 1758 – Northern Africa, Southern Spain
* ''T. g. soussensis'' Pieh, 2000 – Southern Morocco
* ''T. g. marokkensis'' Pieh & Perälä, 2004 – Northern Morocco
* ''T. g. nabeulensis'' Highfield, 1990 – Tunisia
* ''T. g. cyrenaica'' Pieh & Perälä, 2002 – Libya
* ''T. g. ibera'' Pallas, 1814 – Turkey
* ''T. g. armeniaca'' Chkhikvadze & Bakradse, 1991 – Armenia
* ''T. g. buxtoni'' Boulenger, 1921 – Caspian Sea region
* ''T. g. terrestris'' Forskål, 1775 – Israel, Jordan, Lebanon
* ''T. g. zarudnyi'' Nikolsky, 1896 – Azerbaijan, Iran
* ''T. g. whitei'' Bennett in White, 1836 – Algeria
* ''T. g. perses'' Perälä, 2002 – Turkey, Iran, Iraq

The recognition and delimitation of these subspecies are challenging due to overlapping morphological traits such as body size, shell shape, color patterns, and the degree of curvature at the carapace edges. Some populations formerly assigned to ''T. graeca'' have since been reassigned to different species or genera.

Genetic diversity within ''T. graeca'' is further demonstrated by interbreeding between geographically distinct populations, resulting in variable offspring. For this reason, geographical origin is often considered the most reliable method of identification.

Among the most distinctive subspecies is the Tunisian tortoise (''T. g. nabeulensis''), noted for its bright coloration and small size. However, it is also one of the most sensitive, poorly suited for outdoor enclosures in temperate climates, and incapable of prolonged hibernation.

Populations from northeastern Turkey are notably robust. Some of the largest individuals, weighing up to 7&nbsp;kg (15&nbsp;lb).<gallery mode = packed heights = 150px>
Testudo graeca CBNestos.JPG|in Greece
Graeca 005.jpg|''T. g. ibera'' in Turkey
Graeca0005.JPG|''T. g. ibera'', 4 years
Tunisian tortoise (Testudo graeca nabeulensis) juvenile Cap Bon.jpg|juvenile ''T. g. nabeulensis'' in Tunisia
</gallery>