Abstract
The genus Testudo is represented by 4 species in the Mediterranean ecoregion, each occupying distinct climatic niches with some peripheral overlap in their ranges. In this study, we used remote sensing vegetation indices (Enhanced Vegetation Index; EVI) to evaluate habitat partitioning patterns among tortoise species and subspecies/mitochondrial clades across the circum-Mediterranean region. Our analyses revealed low habitat niche segregation among 3 mesic species (Testudo graeca, Testudo hermanni, and Testudo marginata). Testudo graeca has the widest niche breadth, overlapping broadly with all other species, including the xeric specialist, Testudo kleinmanni. Among the 3 mesic species, T. marginata has the narrowest niche breadth, with its distribution largely falling within the niche of the sympatric T. hermanni. Shared thermal requirements and the avoidance of dense forests are key factors driving the extensive niche overlap observed in mesic species. Within species, parapatric clades generally occupy similar habitat niches, although some subspecies can show pronounced differences in habitat properties. Remote sensing data prove valuable for assessing habitat use patterns among congeneric reptile species across large geographic areas.