The Herpetological Journal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33256/36.2.131135

pp. 131-135

Authors: Adriana Kościańska, Ada Krasińska, Ash Wilczek, Mikołaj Kaźmierczak & Krzysztof Kolenda

Abstract: Tortoises are among the most commonly kept exotic pets worldwide. However, they are often housed in inadequate fenced outdoor enclosures, which increases the risk of escape and potential introduction into the natural environment. The aim of this study was to assess the scale of this problem in Poland by analysing Facebook posts reporting missing and found tortoises. In total, 1,060 posts (532 concerning lost and 528 concerning found tortoises) published between 2010 and 2023 were collected. Ten species were identified, with the most frequently recorded being Testudo horsfieldii and Testudo hermanni. At least 43.5% of found individuals were in poor health, often exhibiting signs of carapace deformities, overgrown beaks and claws, as well as injuries such as fractures or open wounds. These findings underscore the need to raise public awareness and implement stricter control measures to prevent further introductions of non-native tortoise species into the Polish environment.

Keywords: alien species, terraristics, Testudo sp., social media, pets