Desert Tortoise
Gopherus Agassizii
Scientific Name
Desert Tortoise:
Gopherus Agassizii
Distribution and Habitat
Geographic Range
Southwest North America in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.
Natural Habitat
This timid reptile resides in sandy desert regions.
Physical Characteristics
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Possessing a hard upper shell which measures from nine to 15 inches, the desert tortoise uses its flattened, armored, muscular forearms for burrowing. Their rear limbs are column-like. Their tails are very short.
Quick Facts
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The desert tortoise is an excellent burrower. It can dig trenches as long as fifteen feet in length and two-three feet deep to escape the heat. These trenches are generally five degrees cooler than the mean average temperature.
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At least 95% of its life is spent in burrows. There, it is also protected from freezing while dormant, November through February or March.
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Desert Tortoises make hisses, pops and poink sounds, perhaps as fear and distress calls.