Russian Tortoise

Testudo [Agrionemys] horsfieldii

"Worst Choice" Pet Worst Choice

The Russian Tortoise is a small species, reaching only 6 to 10 inches in length. It is native to a number of countries in central Asia including China and Russia. These tortoises usually inhabit dry areas with sparse vegetation. They are herbivorous, actively grazing on grasses and other plants during seasons with mild temperatures. Other times they dig deep burrows to hide from extreme summer heat and winter cold. Russian Tortoises, like other tortoises, have very long life spans, living up to 100 years.

Did You Know?

Russian Tortoises, like other tortoises, have very long life spans, living up to 100 years.

Source Sustainability Worst Choice

Does the harvest for wildlife trade or captive breeding of this species harm wild populations?

Significant Cause for Concern

The Russian Tortoise is one of the most heavily traded reptiles in the world; 150,000 are taken from the wild each year. Most (>90%) individuals in the pet trade are wild-caught. Due in part to capture for the pet trade, habitat loss, and hunting for local medicinal purposes, Russian Tortoises are at risk of extinction in the wild.

PetWatch Recommendation:

PetWatch has classified the Russian Tortoise as a Worst Choice pet. It is not a recommended pet.

Invasion Threat Unable to Rank Choice

Does the release or escape of this species into the wild harm the environment and/or economy?

Unable to Rank

PetWatch did not find sufficient information to evaluate the invasion threat from Russian Tortoises.

PetWatch Recommendation:

PetWatch has classified the Russian Tortoise as a Worst Choice pet. It is not a recommended pet.

Animal Welfare Fair Choice

Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or being kept as a pet harm individual animals?

Some Cause for Concern

The vast majority of Russian Tortoises in the pet trade are harvested from the wild Wild-caught tortoises may be subjected to stressful conditions during transport, and don’t always survive.

Russian Tortoises are extremely long lived, with some living up to 100 years. Thus, these animals can outlive their owners, requiring commitment and care that may span generations.

PetWatch Recommendation:

PetWatch has classified the Russian Tortoise as a Worst Choice pet. It is not a recommended pet.

Health Threat Fair Choice

Does this animal pose a health risk to native wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?

Some Cause for Concern

Russian tortoises are known to carry Salmonella. If ingested by humans, Salmonella can cause vomiting and diarrhea; these symptoms are usually mild in healthy adults but can be fatal to infants and young children, or anyone with a compromised immune system. It is important to wash hands before and after handling an animal. Salmonella can be transmitted from exotic pets to any member of a household, even those who do not handle the pet directly.

Russian tortoises are also known carriers of other diseases (e.g., papillomavirus, Mycoplasma agassizii, and Chelonian herpesvirus) and ticks that may affect native tortoises and other wildlife.

PetWatch Recommendation:

PetWatch has classified the Russian Tortoise as a Worst Choice pet. It is not a recommended pet.

EcoHealth Alliance works at the intersection of ecosystem, animal and human health through local conservation programs and develops global health solutions to emerging diseases.
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