Life cycle of spur-thighed tortoises

It’s early summer in the Caucasus Mountains and the sun’s rays are starting to warm up the land. Spur-thighed tortoises have emerged from hibernation and immediately set about feeding to build up strength for the mating season. The fresh growth of spring flowers provides a rich supply of food. Once they have tanked up on energy, courtship can begin. The male approaches the female with some persuasive knocking. One successful mating is all that is needed to produce multiple clutches of eggs. But the process of mating with such heavy armor is not without its perils.