Horsfield tortoise (Testudo Horsfieldi) or The Afghan or Steppe tortoise
It is only recently that I have had contact with the Horsfieldi tortoise. I must say that the ones that I have seen have had wonderful personalities and are almost hyperactive in character. Distribution There are two known sub species: Found where? The carapace of this tortoise is typically flattish, roundish and yellow-green or olive in colouration with darker brown markings on the larger scutes. The plastron is typically blotched with black or nearly all black in some instances. The Horsfieldi has a number of characteristics of its own such as a group of enlarged scales or tubercles to each side of the tail; these appear to be larger on males than females however, sexing can still be difficult to determine in juvenile tortoises. The tail has a horny tip similar to that of the Hermanns although not as prominent. The feet each have four claws and the typical male and female size differences with the female being larger. Environment These species are well known for their excellent digging abilities. In the wolds Horsfieldis can be found in disused burrows such as those of the hedgehog. They prefer sandy/grassy hillsides. The Horsfieldi cannot tolerate damp conditions or high humidity within the captive environment. An open top tortoise table is best suited with a 100 watt UVB lamp and a temperature drop at night. Diet The diet consists similar to that of the Hermanns and Spur-thighed. I have found that Horsfieldis enjoy young grass shoots and can tolerate slightly higher levels of protein in the diet, although this isn't necessarily required. Keep fruit to a minimum and provide as much natural grazing as possible. Breeding In the wild most mating occurs early in the season from March and lasts until June, the deposition of eggs roughly eight weeks later. Usual clutches of 3-5 eggs but this is variable. Males court females by means of a head nodding as seen in a number of species. Biting of the head and legs can occur quite forcefully and aggressively and can even draw blood.
2 years old