Male and female Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni hermanni) mate in early spring, around March and April. The females then dig holes in sunny places to lay two to three eggs in May-June. The average incubation period of the eggs being 97 days, they hatch during the first rains of late summer with a significant mortality rate at the egg and juvenile stages. After this period of insecurity, the sub-adult and adult tortoises have a high annual survival rate and a longevity of up to 60 years.