Still called Horsfieldii turtle, the steppe turtle is a captivating species deserving our full attention. This small terrestrial creature, native to the vast arid expanses of Central Asia, has adapted to an environment that is hostile. She also managed to develop particular characteristics allowing her to survive even in the terms The most extreme.
Steppe turtle: all about
Originally from L’Central Asia, The steppe turtle (Testudo Horsfieldii) Also called Russian turtle or Horsfield turtle is a very popular terrestrial turtle. In the wild or natural state, we can find this species in Russia, Uzbekistan, eastern Iran, west of China, southern Kazakhstan and in northern Pakistan which are desert and stempic environments
It is essential to know the peculiarities of this fascinating animal in order to better identify it. The steppe turtle is recognizable through:
- its robust appearance,
- its short and robust legs,
- his four fingers at the end of his legs,
- its curved shell,
His shell of brownish color Or yellowish allows him to completely blend into his natural habitat. It can weigh between 1 and 2 kilos and measure on average between 15 to 25 cm in length.
Adult steppe turtle technical sheet
The steppe turtle has a massive, low and oval shell. Punctuated with black spots, his shell is brown, even olevish and his body is brown or yellowish.
The Russian turtle has short short legs with only four fingers, unlike other foul species. She has a powerful and square head with a well -developed beak.
- Size: 15 to 25 cm for females, 10 to 15 cm for males.
- Weight: 1 to 2 kg.
- Longevity: between 40 and 60 years.
Turtle of steppes Price: what must know
The steppe turtle is considered a vulnerable species which deserves a lot of care and attention. It is important to be aware of the cost associated with the adoption of a steppe turtle, if you are considering a steppe turtle purchase as a new domestic friend exotic.
The prices of the steppe turtles vary depending on the size, the age, and the place of purchase. It would be wise to inquire in specialized pet stores or from breeders to have a more precise estimate and know if there are steppe turtles for sale.
As aforementioned, the price of a steppe turtle varies according to its age. Below 8 years, we cannot yet know the Sex of this species. Thus, the turtle of the baby steppes cost between 60 and 100 euros.
On the other hand, to buy an adult steppe turtle, it will be necessary to count on average:
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€ 100 for a male
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160 € for a female
Steppes Tortoise Life Hope
The steppe turtle is characterized by a longevity exceptional and remarkable. Indeed, she can live until 40 to 60 If it is raised in good conditions.
If you choose to adopt one, it is therefore able to accompany you for several decades.
What food for steppes?
It's amazing what a steppe turtle eats. Indeed, although being omnivorous, the steppe turtle consumes toxic plants For herbivorous mammals, but without effect on it.
On the contrary, scientists have proven that it is these plants that allow him to get rid of the different parasites present in his digestive system.
In captivity, the steppe turtle appreciates dandelion, clover, salad without forgetting certain fruits and endives. She also eats gleaned meat and small insects on her journey.
Steppe turtle reproduction
It should be noted that the male is violent during the breeding period. He is able to bite his partner's teeth and even tear off scales. We can also observe the confrontation of two males to obtain the favors of a female. The male steppe turtles must therefore remain vigilant during the coupling periods.
Counting 1 to 5 eggs, the female achieves approximately 4 eggs per year with an incubation varying between 60 and 100 days. However, it is the temperature differences in the nest that determine the baby's sex.
What is the best steppe turtle enclosure?
Being a very vulnerable species, steppe turtles need to be housed in an ideal enclosure to always stay healthy.
Steppe turtle exterior enclosure
The ideal for your animal will be to make an enclosure for fully -wrapped steppes turtle and installed in a very sunny area and sheltered from the wind. It will be appropriate to arrange hiding places sheltered from plants or stones so that he can calmly take refuge.
Being a good climber and a fouether who digs burrows (up to 1 m deep and measure up to 2 m long) This turtle is likely to run away.
Enclosure Steppe turtle interior
The steppe turtle lives both internally and externally. Your turtle will need a terrarium carefully arranged to be able to evolve at ease. It would therefore be necessary to opt for a dry substrate so as to preserve it from the cold and humidity likely to cause rhinitis.
- Temperature: 10 to 32 ° C during the day; Hot point between 28 and 32 ° C.
- Lighting: Strong brightness 12 to 14 hours/day and significant need in ultraviolet (UVB).
- Hygrometry: less than 50 % humidity in the air.
Steppe turtle hibernation: the ideal guide
Following unpleasant climatic conditions, it is essential to know how to hiber a turtle of the steppes to keep it away from any danger. Hibernation Provided by the arrival of the cold season or the dry season, is an annual key stage of the life of the steppe turtle.
When the steppe turtle is not protected from bad weather, it is physically exhausted. A reduction in the life expectancy of the steppe turtle can therefore be observed if this step is neglected several times in a row.
The steppe turtle needs long hibernation to protect itself: a minimum of 5-6 months, at low temperatures, between 2 and 4 ° C. Unlike external hibernation which is not recommended in this species, it is preferable to hibernate this tortoise internally: in a cellar or even a garage of the house.
