The Natural Habitat of the Russian Tortoise

Russian tortoises, also known as Agrionemys horsfieldii, are small turtles measuring four to eight inches long. They are common to parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, China and Russia.

  1. Temperature

    • The Russian tortoise thrives in temperatures from 20 degree Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius, or 68 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Climate

    • This breed lives in dry areas where it can retreat to underground burrows during the hottest part of the day. They live in sand or clay desert areas with little grass or brush.

    Hibernation

    • The Russian tortoise hibernates in the wild from October until March but in captivity they are active most of the year.

    Diet

    • This species grazes on broad leaf plants such as dandelions, and since the animals hibernate so much of the year, they habitually eat a lot to store up energy to sustain them through hibernation.

    Pets

    • As a pet, the tortoise's habitat should have several inches of soil or mulch substrate to give them room to burrow. Keep the habitat dry and warm. A small dish of clean water is enough moisture.