Russian Tortoise
The Russian tortoise is also known by several other names, including Afghan tortoise, Central Asian tortoise, Hordfield's tortoise, four-clawed tortoise, and steppe tortoise. There are a threatened species due to human activities. They can spend up to nine months in dormancy.
| FAST FACTS | |
|---|---|
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Agrionemys horsfieldii |
| WHERE IN THE WILD? | Central Asia |
| WHAT'S ON THE MENU?
|
Lettuce, plantains, leafy greens |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | Up to 50 YEARS |
| FUN FACT | In 1968, two Russian tortoises flew to the Moon, circled it, and returned safely to Earth on the Russian Zond 5 mission. They were among the first Earth creatures to travel to the Moon. |