DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Dry, rocky areas of Central Asian steppes covered with grasses..
BEHAVIOUR
Active mainly in spring, after winter hibernation. They rest and hibernate in burrows with relatively high humidity. They dig them up on their own when the soil is soft.
DIET
Mainly herbivorous, diet changes as food is available periodically. Due to the place of its occurrence, the food is high in fiber and low in protein.
REPRODUCTION
They reach sexual maturity at the age of 3-5. Females usually lay 3 eggs in late spring or early summer. The young hatch after an incubation period of 80 to 110 days.
GOOD TO KNOW
Characteristic for this species is the presence of four claws on all limbs.
- latin name: Testudo horsfieldii
- IUCN Red List – VU – vulnearable
- CITES – Appendix II
