Critter Science

The Russian tortoise, aka Afghan tortoise, Horsfield’s tortoise, steppe tortoise, or Central Asian tortoise, hails from the Caspian Sea on south through Pakistan, Afghanistan , Iran, and east across Kazakhstan to Xinjiang, China. They prefer deserts, rocky hillsides, sandy steppes, and grassy regions close to water. These tortoises have a relatively short period of actual activity; sometimes equaling only 3 months out of the year, in the wild. The Russian tortoise is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Due in part to civil unrest, hunting, collection for the pet trade (which isn’t even needed as they breed readily in captivity), and habitat destruction.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Testudo horsfieldii Weight: Up to 2.5 lbs. Length: Up to 8 inches Lifespan: Up to 50+ years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) These tortoises hibernate when it gets too cold and aestivate (see brumation page) when it gets too hot.

2.) They are typically crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). But will exhibit diurnal (active during the day) behaviors when the temperatures are mild.

3.) Russian tortoises are often kept as pets and have great personalities.

4.) Russians build burrows up to 6+ feet deep, in which to retreat to for safety from the heat, cold, and predators.

5.) They are herbivores (eat plant matter) that graze on grasses, leaves, fruits, twigs, stems, bushes, and succulents.

But wait, there’s more on the Russian tortoise! 6.) In order to woo a lady friend, the male will perform a series of swift head bobs, and even ram into her several times in order to win her affection.

7.) The male will mount the female, and after copulation he will leave her and she will be responsible for building a nest and taking care of laying eggs.

Did you know…? If you lightly scratch the hind portion of a tortoise’s shell (carapace), they will do a little booty shake, back and forth, till you stop.

8.) These tortoises are actually quite social and will often group together in the same burrow.

9.) A group of these tortoises is called a nest, bale, dole, turn, or creep.

10.) Females lay between 2 – 6 eggs that hatch in approximately 110 days.

But wait, there’s still more on the Russian tortoise! 11.) The Latin name “Testudinal” means “relating to a tortoise or the shell of a tortoise.”

Did you know…? During sieges, Roman soldiers would go into a testudo formation. This was named so because of the Latin name for tortoise. They formed a series of rows and held their shields above or in front of them to completely cover the unit from arrow follies.

12.) All tortoises have an exoskeleton (outer shell) and an endoskeleton (internal skeleton). A shell has 3 primary parts: the carapace (top of their shell), the plastron (bottom of their shell, or their belly), and the bridge that joins both sections together. All tortoises have a spine, ribs, and collar bones (clavicals) inside their shell.

13.) Like all burrowing critters, they have a high tolerance for CO 2 , seeing as there tends to be a lot higher concentrations of carbon dioxide in their burrows.

14.) When you hear a tortoise hiss, as it brings in its external parts (including their head) into their shell, they aren’t hissing out of fear or aggression, they are doing so to make room for all their parts to be tucked into the shell. Hey, there’s only so much room in there.

15.) Russian tortoises were the first earth-based biologic to orbit the moon. That’s right. In 1968, the Russians sent 2 Russian tortoises to the moon and back.

Now a Short Russian Tortoise Video!

Be sure to share & comment below! Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel . Videos added frequently!

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Learn more about all kinds of cool critters, right here ! toolTips('.classtoolTips3','

These animals are active during dawn and dusk, or twilight. Animals that are crepuscular are typically so due to the fact that many predators are not active during those times of the day. But as in the case of being diurnal or nocturnal , sometimes the organism is crepuscular in an effort to obtain food that might be present at these times. Mule deer , desert cottontails , coyotes , porcupines , and black-tailed jackrabbits , to name a few, fit into this category.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips4','

This is a type of dormancy which is very much like hibernation . It is described as reduced metabolic rate and inactivity in response to dry conditions and high temperatures. Both invertebrates and vertebrates have the ability to enter into this state to avoid exsiccation. Critters undergoing aestivation appear as though they are in a lighter state of dormancy, since they are able to reverse their physiological state quickly and come back to "normal". Crocodiles , desert tortoises , desert toads , and salamanders are just a few examples of creatures that aestivate.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips5','

This is a state of metabolic depression and inactivity in endothermic (warm blooded) creatures. It is displayed as a reduced heartbeat (by up to 95%), low metabolic rate, slow breathing, and low body temperature. Critters that hibernate typically prepare for it by building up an abundance of body fat during late summer and autumn that helps provide them with energy throughout the winter months. There are 2 types of hibernation: facultative & obligate hibernation. Facultatives hibernate when it’s too cold and food supply has been reduced. Obligates are able to sleep despite access to food and comfortable temperatures. A facultative hibernator would be the black-tailed prairie dog . A few obligate hibernators are: ground squirrels , mouse lemurs , and butterflies .'); toolTips('.classtoolTips16','

Predation is the ecological process by which an animal (or an organism) kills and feeds on another. The animal that kills to feed is called a predator . The 1 that is killed to be eaten is called prey.

Some examples or predators are: raptors , wolves , snakes , cats , and sharks .'); toolTips('.classtoolTips19','

Reptiles undergo this type of dormancy during the late phases of autumn. They typically only wake up to consume water and then go back to sleep. Reptiles eat a great deal of food right before brumation since they can go for months without eating anything. This dormancy can last for about 8+ months depending on the age, health, and size of the reptile in question. This type of dormancy is typically begun by a decrease in daylight and with the onset of cold weather. Reptiles usually don’t brumate during the first year of their lives; rather they simply slow their movements and eat less.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips24','

Animals that eat mostly or exclusively grass, shrubs, seeds, and nuts are called herbivores. This category can also be broken down into subgroups too.

Critters that fall into this category are: cows , elk , buffalo , sheep , goats , and many rodents , to name a few.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips24','

Animals that eat mostly or exclusively grass, shrubs, seeds, and nuts are called herbivores. This category can also be broken down into subgroups too.

Critters that fall into this category are: cows , elk , buffalo , sheep , goats , and many rodents , to name a few.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips31','

An animal that falls into this category is active during the day. Animals that fit this description typically use sight for hunting prey. Others, like turtles , are active during the day as they need the sun\'s rays to aid in the production of vitamin D, which is needed to help process calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. Hummingbirds rely on the sun as most of the nectar they gather comes from flowers that are open during the day. Cows , dogs , elephants , butterflies , and squirrels , for example, are diurnal.');

brumate

The Russian Tortoise

The Moor Frog