Reptile · GBIF taxon 2441814
Desert Tortoise
Gopherus agassiziiAlso known as Mojave Desert Tortoise, Agassiz's Desert Tortoise
Desert tortoises spend up to ninety percent of their lives underground in deep burrows that shelter them from extreme desert temperatures. During spring rains, these ancient reptiles emerge to forage on lush wildflowers and grasses, storing precious moisture in their bladders for dry months. Their long-term survival is threatened by habitat fragmentation, off-road vehicles, and viral diseases, making them a crucial indicator species for desert ecosystem health.
BurrowingHerbivorousReptile
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Critically EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXCritically EndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Desert Wildflowers
- Native Grasses
- Prickly Pear Cactus
Predators
- Common Raven
- Coyote
- Kit Fox
ThreatsHabitat destruction, upper respiratory disease, vehicle strikes, and raven predation on juveniles
HabitatsMojave and Sonoran desert scrub, rocky slopes, and desert washes
Life span30–50 years (up to 80 years)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTestudinidae
- GenusGopherus
- SpeciesGopherus agassizii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a distance; never approach or touch wild individuals.
- What to notice
- Look for a high-domed yellowish-brown shell, thick elephantine hind legs, and flattened front limbs adapted for digging.
- Support conservation
- Observe quietly from a distance without approaching, and keep dogs strictly on leash in tortoise habitat.
Responsible observation
- Maintain Distance: Stay at least 3 meters away to avoid scaring the tortoise into voiding its stored water.
- Drive Carefully: Scan roads thoroughly in desert areas, especially during spring mornings after rain.
- Leave Undisturbed: Never touch or move a wild tortoise unless it is in immediate danger on an active road.
Predator "Common Raven (Corvus corax)" by Franco Folini is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) shankar s., some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative Judy Gallagher / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
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