Testudo horsfieldii
VU

Testudo horsfieldii

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Asian_tortoise

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Horsfield's tortoise faces severe population declines primarily due to extensive collection for the international pet trade, with thousands harvested annually from wild populations across Central Asia. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and overgrazing by livestock has fragmented remaining suitable steppe and semi-desert environments. Climate change poses additional pressure through altered precipitation patterns affecting the sparse vegetation these tortoises depend on for food and shelter.

Threat summary

Habitat

Horsfield's tortoise inhabits arid steppes, semi-deserts, and scrublands across Central Asia, preferring areas with sandy or clay soils suitable for burrowing. The species occupies elevations from sea level to 2,000 meters, favoring regions with sparse vegetation including grasses, herbs, and low shrubs.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Conservation measures underway

Legislation

Other threatened species in TESTUDINIDAE

Indian Star TortoiseVU

Indian Star Tortoise

Geochelone elegans

Declining
VU

Chelonoidis vandenburghi

Increasing
Gopherus polyphemusCR

Gopherus polyphemus

Declining
Eastern Santa Cruz Giant TortoiseCR

Eastern Santa Cruz Giant Tortoise

Chelonoidis donfaustoi

Increasing

Frequently asked questions

Why is Testudo horsfieldii classified as Vulnerable?
Testudo horsfieldii is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Horsfield's tortoise faces severe population declines primarily due to extensive collection for the international pet trade, with thousands harvested annually from wild populations across Central Asia. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and overgrazing by livestock has fragmented remaining suitable steppe and semi-desert environments. Climate change poses additional pressure through altered precipitation patterns affecting the sparse vegetation these tortoises depend on for food and shelter.
Where does Testudo horsfieldii live?
Testudo horsfieldii occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Testudo horsfieldii?
The main threats to Testudo horsfieldii are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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