The Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni hermanni) frequents different Mediterranean plant formations, from sea level up to about 2,300 ft (700 m) high. Its current distribution in Provence and Corsica coincides with that of the cork oak woodlands that constitute its favorite refuges. The reptile, however, is also found in scattered pine forests and sparse high and low scrubs as well as in environments mixing clear woods, moors, cistus, clearings, and wastelands. Absent from completely open with very short vegetation environments, the Hermann's tortoise also avoids those with too dense vegetation.