Horsfield Tortoise

Hrosefield Tortoise eating fruit at Wingham Wildlife Park

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 is female and can be seen living alongside our Aldabra Giant Tortoises and Hermann’s Tortoises in between our large outside play area and Dinosaur Zoo.