On an expedition in August we found tortoises in both situations. Tortoises were found frequently in heavy scrub and bramble thicket - making the location of specimens for study a somewhat uncomfortable experience. At this time of year the vegetation on the lower slopes is extremely dry and even in the more densely vegetated areas humidity was minimal. Earlier in the year green vegetation is more abundant and the tortoises are much more active. In the very hot and dry conditions of mid-summer much of the day is spent in retreat.
Maximum activity occurs early in the morning or in late afternoon.
Tortoises are rarely encountered in habitats thickly populated with Beech trees or where the ground is heavily covered by ferns, favouring a more open aspect. Preferred nesting sites include sunny slopes, deserted terraced olive groves or woodland openings. We found several vacated eggshells in such locations. Most of these appeared to have been deposited by predators, although in one location may have been the result of a successful hatching. Of these, the relative difference in size between similarly aged adults of the two populations and the unusually bright markings of the southern population are particularly notable.