For more information
on other animals found at Cub Creek Science Camp visit our
animal page.
Russian Tortoise
This tortoise has a variety
of common names, most of which give some hints about it.
Along with Russian Tortoise, the names Afghan Tortoise and
Central Asian Tortoise describe places where it is found.
Steppe Tortoise describes its natural environment as it
occurs principally on sandy steppes. Four-toed Tortoise
describes its rather unique quality, it is the only member
of its genus Testudo having four rather than three
toes (claws) on its feet.
The Russian Tortoise was described by Gray in
1844. They range from China to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in
dry arid habitats; areas with hot, dry summers and cold
winters. They occur principally on sandy steppes though some
have also been reported in loamy areas. Generally they dwell
in rocky or hilly terrain close to springs where grass and
other vegetation is abundant. In most of their range they
live in burrows that they dig or they will modify abandoned
animal burrows to fit their needs.
There are at least three recognized subspecies of
Testudo horsfieldii:T. h. horsfieldii, T. h. kazachtanica,
and T. h. rustmovi
The Russian Tortoises is small with most
reaching only 4 to 8" (10 - 20 cm)though there is an
occasional specimen reaching in excess of 9" (23 cm).
They have a stocky appearance with a rounded-oval
carapace (upper shell)
that is greenish to olive brown, with darker patches.
The
plastron (bottom shell)
is rigid and has no movable hinge. The head and legs are
yellowish brown. They are the only member of their genus
Testudo to have four rather than three toes
(claws) on their feet. The tail has a terminal claw, and
is longer on the male than on the female. This
information was taken from
http://animal-world.com
At Cub Creek Science Camp we have a
Russian Tortoise named Dimetri. He is the smallest
of our Tortoises and often hides himself in the tall
grasses of the Pentagon. Our Science Camp campers
have fun trying to be the first one to find Dimetri.
Russian Tortoises are popular because of their small
size. Like all tortoises he is terrestrial and
would drown if put in deep water that he could not get
out of. Dandelions are one of Demetri's favorite
dishes and he can forage for them during the summer in
the Pentagon. He lives in the Jungle with the
sloths during the winter time.
