Hermann's, spur-thighed and marginated tortoises from the Mediterranean are among the most commonly kept tortoises, with welfare problems arising from inadequate hibernation and nutrition.
Mediterranean tortoises in captivity commonly develop pyramiding of the shell from inadequate humidity and diet, indicative of prolonged suboptimal welfare. Hibernation failure — placing tortoises too warm or too cold — causes either starvation of reserves or metabolic shutdown. Dietary deficiencies cause slow-developing but ultimately severe disease. The lifetime commitment to a tortoise — potentially outliving their owner — requires planning that few buyers undertake.