Guide to hibernating Mediterranean and Horsfield’s tortoises

Background: Hibernation is encouraged for healthy Mediterranean and Horsfield’s tortoises. A controlled hibernation is essential to reduce posthibernation complications or deaths. Suboptimal husbandry before hibernation and incorrect hibernation techniques may increase the risk of posthibernation complications. Aim of the article: This article provides a guide to hibernating Mediterranean and Horsfield’s tortoises, covering the prehibernation, hibernation and posthibernation periods, and also outlines how to address any complications.