Central Asian Tortoise - Five Sisters Zoo

The shell of this tortoise is comprised of hardened scales in tones of yellow, brown, and black to blend in with their environment. They have only 4 claws on each foot rather than the 5 of other tortoise species, which they use for digging burrows into the ground.

Facts

Diet: Herbivore; grasses, twigs, flowers and fruit.

Weight: 1.5-2kg

Size: Carapace length of 120-150mm (females larger than males)

Habitat: Central Asia, Middle East, portions of Russia. Prefers desert plains and foothills, with rocky and hilly terrain featuring grasses rather than more abundant vegetation.

Life span: 50-60 years

Adapted to Survive

  • Will burrow below ground, either by digging their own tunnels or utilizing existing ones, to protect themselves from harsh temperatures and hibernating sometimes for months at a time.

Threats

  • Wildlife and pet trade
  • Hunted as a food source

IUCN Conservation Status

Vulnerable

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