Horsfield Tortoise Natural History
Size
This species has a length of 25 cm (10 inches) and weighs 4 kg (8.8 lbs).
Habitat and Distribution
This tortoise lives in dry grassland throughout Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Iran, Islamic Republic of, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Age
Horsfield Tortoises can live for more than 80 years.
Diet
As herbivores they will eat flowers, grasses and weeds plus a variety of vegetables.
Groups and Breeding
Like many tortoises, Horsfields are solitary in the wild, only meeting to breed. Most mating takes place in the spring after hibernation. Females lay up to 3 batches of eggs.
Threats
This species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN as they are threatened by habitat loss and capture for the pet trade.
Interesting facts
Females are usually larger than males, but males have larger tails.
The Horsfield Tortoise During Your Day Out in Kent
The Horsfield Tortoise at Wingham Wildlife Park can be seen living alongside our Hermann’s Tortoises in an external vivarium attached to the reptile house, opposite the meerkats.