Central Asian tortoise

The first creature to fly around the Moon

This tortoise lives in the deserts of Uzbekistan and sleeps underground for 9 months of the year! In spring it wakes for 3 months, eats grass, then buries itself again to escape the heat. Most amazing: in 1968 two of these tortoises flew around the Moon — before any human! They came back safe and sound. A tortoise lives 50 years.

The Central Asian tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) lives in the deserts and steppes of Central Asia, Iran and Afghanistan; in Uzbekistan it is one of the most common reptiles. 15–20 cm with a flat shell, and 4 toes on the front feet (other land tortoises have 5). Active from March to June; to escape heat and cold it sleeps 9 months in a burrow up to 2 m deep (aestivation plus hibernation). In September 1968 the Soviet Zond 5 spacecraft flew around the Moon carrying two Central Asian tortoises — the first living creatures in deep space; they lost 10% of their weight but were healthy. Tens of thousands are caught each year for the pet trade — hence VU status. Exports from Uzbekistan are limited by quotas.

Fun facts

• In 1968 two Central Asian tortoises flew around the Moon — 3 months before Apollo 8!
• This tortoise sleeps 9 months a year — it's only 'at work' for 3 months in spring.
• This tortoise has 4 toes on each foot — others have 5.