Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in the wild — Catch'Um species field guide

Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) wildlife photograph

Overview

Desert tortoises (Agassiz’s or Mojave desert tortoises) are high-domed tortoises of the Mojave and western Sonoran deserts. They dig deep burrows to escape extreme heat and cold, browse desert plants, and move slowly across creosote flats — a flagship of southwestern desert conservation.

For US collectors, the desert tortoise is a rare desert prize — burrow mouth in the wash, domed silhouette at dusk, and a Critically Endangered icon of the American Southwest.

Scientific nameGopherus agassizii
Length25–36 cm shell
Weight3–7 kg
LifespanAround 50–80 years in the wild
DietDesert grasses
ConservationCritically Endangered
RegionMojave Desert Scrub

Habitat

Creosote scrub
Desert wash
Alluvial fan
Rocky desert slope

Mojave and western Colorado/Sonoran desert scrub of the southwestern United States, especially creosote bush flats, washes, and rocky alluvial fans with soils soft enough for burrows.

Countries found

Desert Tortoise in United States

Field notes

Field scale for the Desert Tortoise: length around 25-36 cm shell; weight 3-7 kg. Typical lifespan: Around 50-80 years in the wild.

When you are scanning habitat, prioritise creosote scrub, desert wash, alluvial fan, and rocky desert slope. Those settings are where a clean look and a usable photo are most likely.

Quick ID anchor: Medium high-domed tortoise with brown to tan scutes and sturdy digging forelimbs. Confirm with behaviour and habitat before you log the discovery.

Diet

Desert grasses, annual wildflowers, herbs, and cactus pads.

Obtain much of their water from food and stored reserves.

Behaviour

Dig long burrows used for shelter, nesting, and winter brumation.

Most active in spring and after rains; inactive in extreme heat.

How to identify

Medium high-domed tortoise with brown to tan scutes and sturdy digging forelimbs.

Elephantine legs and a short tail; found in Mojave desert scrub.

Interesting facts

01
High-domed shell and elephantine forelimbs built for digging.
02
Spend much of the year in deep burrows buffering desert extremes.
03
Herbivores eating grasses, wildflowers, and cactus pads.
04
Can store water in the bladder for long dry periods.
05
Mojave populations have declined dramatically from habitat loss and disease.
06
Federally protected; never handle or remove wild tortoises.

Conservation status

CR: Critically Endangered

Agassiz’s desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List after severe population declines. Habitat loss, disease, raven predation on juveniles, and off-road impacts are major threats.

Sources: IUCN Red List