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Russian Tortoise
Stats
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Eats
They are herbivores. In the wild they graze on broad leaf plants and grasses. Captive Russian tortoises eat a variety of weeds, both leaves and flowers. They are especially fond of dandelions.
Lives
Russian Tortoises have a native range of Afghanistan, Northern Pakistan, Northern and Eastern Iran, North Western China, Kazakhstan. They live in dry and barren places, such as rocky deserts or sandy steppes, they will frequently be found near naturally occurring water sources where vegetation is most common.
Behavior
Diurnal, most active in the early morning and early evening, it retreats to its burrows during the hottest portion of the day. They do not mind being social or solitary. In the wild, Russian tortoises are only active a few months of the year, brumation (like reptile hibernation) occurs from Oct-Mar and then it aestivates (like hibernation during the hot summer months) during the hottest parts of the summer.
Description
These turtles display shell colors ranging from light tan to yellow-green to olive, often featuring brown or black markings on their larger scutes, the covering on the shell. The plastron, or underside, usually has brown or black blotches and can sometimes be entirely black. This stunning variety in colors and patterns helps them blend seamlessly into their natural habitats!
Did you Know?
Russian Tortoises have never been native to Russia, they are called Russian Tortoises because the countries they are native to were once owned by the USSR.
How can I Help?
According to the IUCN, the Russian Tortoise us a vulnerable species. This is due to a number of factors including the collection of wild specimens for the pet trade, habitat destruction from welfare, farming, livestock grazing and development, as well as their use as a food source by local people. So if you have ever thought about getting your own tortoise, make sure it is captive bred and ethically sourced.
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