Desert tortoise

Scientific Classification

Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Chelonia
Family:Testudinidae
Genus:Gopherus
Genus species:Gopherus agassizii

Animal Characteristics

Head-Body Length:up to 38 cm
Habitat:Scrublands, deserts, rocky hillsides
Diet:Herbivore: wildflowers, grasses, cacti
Reproduction:There is no defined mating season for desert tortoises. The female builds a nest near her burrow and lays 1-14 eggs inside it between April and July. The eggs incubate for 70-120 days. These tortoises can live for 60-100 years old.
Behavior:Desert tortoises hibernate in underground burrows from October to February.
Status:No special status
Interesting Facts:Ravens, coyotes, foxes, eagles, and roadrunners are all predators of the desert tortoise.