Hermann's tortoises on Golem Grad, a strictly protected island in North Macedonia, are reportedly engaging in behaviors that could jeopardize their population.
Aggressive courtship tactics among males are exhausting females, raising concerns about their reproductive success. Additionally, there are instances of females being pushed off cliffs by males during these encounters.
This alarming situation has led to discussions about the potential for 'demographic suicide' within this tortoise population, highlighting the need for further observation and intervention.