The Horsefield Tortoise, also known as the Russian tortoise, originates from Central Asia and can be found natively in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, India, Iran, the Russian Steppes and parts of China. They are natively of the harsh desert regions and adapted to handle extreme heat and extreme cold. They have been observed to occur at altitudes of up to 7545 feet (2300 meter). They hibernate in winter from October to March and bury themselves in summer to withstand the sun.Thomas Horsfield, a naturalist from the United States, who spent over ten years in Java collecting plant and animal specimens, first discovered the breed.
Other names for this species is the Russian Tortoise, the Russian Box Tortoise, the Steppe Tortoise, the Afghanistan Tortoise and the four-toed tortoise.
This is reckoned to be one of the smallest tortoises, averaging only 4 inches (10.2 cm) to 8 inches (20.3cm) in length. In fact, the largest known female specimen measured 8.7 inches (22 cm). The males of this species are generally smaller, although they do boast longer tails.
The Horsefield Tortoise can reach about sixty years of age, although its average life expectancy is around fifty. In the old days, they were used in Chinese medicine.
Unlike tropical species, the Horsefield tortoise should not be fed any animal matter and very little fruit, if at all. Their digestive system is not adapted for the sugars contained in fruit. Being from mostly arid regions, they take water mostly from their food and might not need as much water as some other species although it should certainly be available.
A lesser-known distinction of the Horsefield Tortoise is that it became the first tortoise in space on 14 September 1968, when the Russians sent one on a 7-day mission circling the moon. Some of its travelling companions were wine flies and mealworms.
When preparing for the purchase of your tortoise, bear in mind that they prefer to roam freely. You will need to set up a house or enclosure at least 15 to 20 times its eventual shell size. While a vivarium with live tortoises may seem an attractively ornamental feature to your home, it would not ensure a happy tortoise. At best, a vivarium can be a temporary measure to safely shelter hatchlings. Horsefield tortoises can best be accommodated in an environment that combines interior and exterior facilities.
The Horsefield Tortoise is not really a suitable pet for a first time tortoise owner, as they require quite specialized care. For example, they will need to be monitored very closely during their hibernation period. In nature, this is fairly long spell of almost six months. In captivity, an owner will need to lend a helping hand.
If you educate yourself about this small, but fascinating breed, owning a Horsefield Tortoise could be a very rewarding experience.