Name: Horsfield tortoise

​

Scientific Name: Agrionemys horsfieldii

​

Class: Reptilia  

​

Threats: Wild caught pet trade

​

Distribution: Central Asia

​

Habitat: Steppes and dry hillside, some montane regions and deserts.

​

Appearance: Horsfield's are a small species of tortoise with four toes on their front legs (unusual for a tortoise). Colouring varies from a yellow brown to light brown. 

​

Diet & Feeding: Vegetation, including leafy greens, are a favourite for this species.

​

Social Behaviour: Horsfield tortoises are solitary creatures - however, they are super friendly and in captivity will seek attention from their humans. 

​

Males and females: The shape of Horsfield tortoise body is roughly the same regardless of gender. Mature males are slightly smaller than females. The main difference between sexes is the shape of the tail - female's have a short, wedge shaped tail whereas a male's is long and pointy. 

​

Lifespan: 50 - 100 years

​

Number of young: 2 - 6

​

Interesting fact: Horsfield's continue growing until they are 30!

​