The Central Asian Tortoise is also called the Russian, Steppe, Afghan, Four-toed and Horsfield's Tortoise.
Its native range covers the deserts and steppes of Central Asia from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, south to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
These individuals were roaming the semi-desert of south-east Kazakhstan.
A small tortoise, adults some 6-9 inches (13-25cm) long, the basic ground colour is sandy with some dark patches to provide camouflage in the semi-desert habitat.
Like most tortoises, it has a long, natural life-span, typically in excess of 50 years. It is also popular as a pet tortoise.
A baby Horsfield's tortoise.