These remarkable tortoises occur further north than any other species, and have evolved to combat climatic extremes. David Alderton discusses their natural history, and how this should impact on their care.

A Horsfield’s tortoise in its natural habitat.

The first thing to say is that although Horsfield’s tortoise may look rather similar to both Hermann’s and the Mediterranean spur-thighed species, it is a very different animal. This has now been recognised by zoologists as well. Up until 1998, all three species were grouped in the genus Testudo, but then Horsfield’s was transferred to a separate genus on its own, giving it the scientific name of Agrionemys horsfieldii. This is now in dispute again though, as these tortoises have hybridised with Hermann’s, and provides a reason as to why they should not be kept together.

The flat top to the shell is very evident here.

Although there may be some overlap in colouration with Hermann’s tortoise especially, comparing the overall profile of these tortoises allows Horsfield’s to be distinguished easily. It has a more rounded, less elongated body shape as well as a flatter shell.

Horsfield’s ranks as a relative small species of tortoise too, with males being noticeably smaller than females, which average somewhere between 20-25cm (8-10in) when mature. Males in contrast are about 5cm (2in) smaller overall.

In addition to being known as Horsfield’s tortoise, this species is also recognised under several other common names. The best-known of these is probably the Russian tortoise, although this is not an entirely accurate summary of its range. It is also sometimes described as the steppe tortoise too, reflecting the type of environment where it is to be found in the wild. It may even be called the four-toed tortoise, having four toes on each foot, and may also be referred to as the Afghan tortoise.

Did you know?

Horsfield’s tortoise is named not its discoverer, but after an American doctor and naturalist Thomas Horsfield, who lived from 1773 until 1859. He became an important figure in natural history circles in London, being a founder of the Royal Entomological Society and the first assistant secretary of the Zoological Society of London in 1824, but was never involved with the tortoise that bears his name. It was named after him as an honour.

Range and lifestyle