The Russian tortoise, in some portions of its habitat, has been heavily exploited for food by local peoples as well as for exportation by the pet trade. In other areas, habitat destruction due to warfare, farming, livestock grazing and development have all contributed to the decline of this species. The future of the species in the wild is uncertain at best.
Testudo horsfieldii has its own sub-genus Agrionemys. The Russian tortoise is the most easterly of the five tortoises collectively known as Mediterranean tortoises. The range of the Russian tortoise extends from southeastern Russia southward through eastern Iran, northwest Pakistan and Afghanistan. It inhabits dry, barren localities such as rocky deserts and hillsides and sandy or loamy steppes, often at elevations of 5,000 feet (1,500 m) or higher. In these arid regions, the tortoise is frequently found near springs. Primarily a burrow- dweller it prefers sandy or loamy ground in which to dig its burrow. Reaching sexual maturity at 10 years, they are considered full- grown at 20 to 30 years of age.
Testudo horsfieldii is considered by the IUCN as "Vulnerable". CITES lists the species as "Appendix 2".