At these temperatures, the animal is completely inactive, consuming body fat to fuel its much-reduced metabolic process. Hibernation in captivity should not be attempted with a newly-acquired tortoise whose health is in questions. Every effort should be made to diagnose and treat injuries, disease and parasite problems prior to hibernation. Not only is the animal's metabolic rate reduced during hibernation, it immune system function is depresse disease will progress during hibernation but at a reduced pace. A tortoise going into hibernation with a major disease will invariably deteriorate and may not survive.
Temperature control is a factor in disease control.
Avoidance of hibernation should be considered only as an emergency measure employed to deal with a potentially life-threatening condition. It should not be viewed as a matter of course. Breeding abilities can also be affected. 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.