Mediterranean Tortoise

This silver commemorative coin depicting Mediterranean Tortoise has been issued by the Central Bank of Armenia under the International Program "Wild World of Caucasus". The Program includes animals that are protected under the Red Book of Armenia.
 
The main area of settlement of Mediterranean Tortoise is the South of Armenia. Arid steppes and hillsides and low-located forests and gardens are suitable for settlement. Presently, the area of settlement of this species has sharply reduced due to broadening economic activity. Zoological gardens in many countries are home to this species. The Armenian Institute of Zoology has Mediterranean Tortoise in possession and successfully breeds them. Testudo graeca Linnaeus Status. Rare species, which number and area are shortening fast. It was included in the former USSR and IUCN (5) Red books. Diffusion. It is mainly met in south part of Republic (in Araks river valley) and also in Ijevan, Noemberian and Shamshadin. Living places and modern conditions. It inhabits different residences from dry steppes and mountains slopes covered by shrubs till low forests and orchards. In present time square of natural residences is sharply shortening in connection with theirs economic mastering. Quantity in nature. 0,5-2 individuals are met on 1 ha square in Ijevan. Approximately number in Armenia is about 1000 individuals (2).
 
Reproduction.
 
Coupling take place in April-May. Beginning from June thrice in a season it lays by 2-8 eggs in every laying. Thus, during summer one female lays in average 16-20 eggs (1,3,6). Young tortures hatch from the eggs after 2-3 months. They become puberty in the age of 11-13 years (5). Competitors, enemies, diseases. Birds of prey and other ground beasts of prey. Competitors and diseases are unknown. Quantity changing reasons. Mastering of basic residences. Uncontrolled hunting of tortures. Quantity in captivity. It is maintained in many USSR Zoos and also in Zoology Institute of Republic of Armenia Academy of Sciences. Often it also maintains among terrarioumists. Reproduction in captivity. It breeds at the Zoology Institute of RA AS Admitted protection measures. It is protected in Khosrov reservation redbook.am.iatp.net
Armenia 2006 Mediterranean Tortoise
Country: 
Catalog ID: 
AM108CM1
Krause ID: 
KM# 122
Value: 
€53
Mintage: 
3000
Quality: 
Face value: 
Material: 
Purity: 
0.925
Weight: 
28.28g
Diameter: 
38.61mm
Year: 
Shape and style: 
Shape and style: 
Edge: 
Mint: 
International program: 
Animals: 
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