Desert tortoises are found in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The desert tortoise is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Its diet consists of grasses, wildflowers, cactus pads, and some fruits.
Tortoise Facts
How long does the desert tortoise live? The desert tortoise can live up to 80 years in the wild.
How much does the desert tortoise weigh? The desert tortoise typically weighs between 4 and 15 pounds. However, larger specimens can weigh up to 20 pounds.
How large is the desert tortoise? The desert tortoise can reach lengths of up to 16 inches.
Where does the desert tortoise live? The desert tortoise is found in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
What is the conservation status of the desert tortoise? The desert tortoise is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act
What does a desert tortoise eat? The desert tortoise's diet consists mostly of grasses, wildflowers, cactus pads, and some fruits.
Does the desert tortoise hibernate? Yes, the desert tortoise hibernates during the winter months.
When does a desert tortoise mate? Desert tortoises typically mate between April and August.
Do desert tortoises mate during the night or the day? Desert tortoises typically mate during the day.
How do you know a tortoise is female or male? The easiest way to tell the difference between a male and female desert tortoise is by the shape of their shells. Male shells tend to be more curved, while female shells are generally flatter.
More about the desert tortoise
The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is a species of terrestrial reptile native to the Mojave and Sonoran deserts of North America. It is one of five recognized tortoises in the United States, although its range historically extended as far south as Mexico. This species lives in arid or semi-arid habitats, mainly among generally sparse vegetation such as creosote bush, with whatever available moisture sources it can access at any given time. The desert tortoise is relatively small compared to most other tortoise species, typically measuring around 8-15 inches in shell length with markings ranging from yellowish-brown to grayish-black in color. Its diet primarily consists of low-growing annuals and grasses, as well as cacti flowers and fruit. Humans have impacted these animals through habitat destruction due to land use changes and collecting for pets. Because they are so slow moving and slow growing, they face an increased risk from development projects that can displace or fragment their population range; thus making them increasingly vulnerable to further declines.
