Outline

 

As of this document, there is no recognized subspecies of the Russian Tortoise, or Testudo horsfieldii. Due to the mass importation of wild caught animals, this is the most common and recognized species of tortoise in the pet trade. After many years of conservation efforts, this importation of wild Russian tortoise has been severely restricted in comparison to the over importation that has affected the market for decades. In 2025, CITES restricted the species due to numerous concerns with ongoing permit issues deriving from Uzbekistan. 

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Personally, this is a good thing. When any animal is over-imported, it creates a bloated marked of uncare towards the species. These animals are seen as cheap, and in response will be placed in shops and wholesale markets with sellers who don't know how to care for these animals and are just looking to sell. This will bring forth disease. And we are so heartbroken to see tortoises go through this. 

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We are still pending the finalization of the restrictions, which will be heard October 2025. 

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