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WIldlife and Nature: the tortoise
In the United States, the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is found in the southwestern states, particularly in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. This tortoise is known for its adaptation to arid environments and is considered a threatened species. Currently it is facing conservation challenges due to habitat loss and other factors.
Nature is slow, but sure; she works no faster than need be; she is the tortoise that wins the race by her perseverance.
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The Mojave population of desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) includes all tortoises north and west of the Colorado River in Arizona, Utah, Nevada and California. Listed as threatened in 1990, these tortoises are impacted by ongoing threats, including loss, degradation and fragmentation of habitat due to development. They are also impacted by increased wildfire due to non-native invasive vegetation, disease, road mortality and predation of their eggs and hatchlings
Gopherus agassizii
Arizona has two native species of tortoise, the Sonoran desert tortoise, Gopherus morafkai; and the Mojave desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii.
A common way tortoises defend themselves is to empty their bladder or "pee" if they are picked up or handled. This could lead to their death if they can't find water soon as they could become dehydrated. You should never return a captive tortoise to the wild because they might not survive (and it is illegal). If you already have a tortoise and can't keep it, try to find and someone else to take care of it. If you can't find anyone then give it to an adoption program.
TAP: Tortoise AdoptionAdoption Program
Tortoise Adoption Program (TAP) to benefit the welfare of captive and wild tortoises and turtles. The program is sanctioned by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and designed to assist with the transfer of unwanted or surplus captive desert tortoises to qualified private custodians. The TAP exclusively addresses the Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in the Tucson area (within the natural distribution of tortoises). Other turtles and tortoises are occasionally accepted by the ASDM but are not administered through the TAP. These animals are referred to the Department of Herpetology. Private individuals become turtle/tortoise custodians, not owners. The animals remain the property of the State of Arizona. Only animals in apparent good health are placed with custodians. Animals suffering from disease or malnutrition are generally retained for rehabilitation. Tortoises are not placed between October 1 and April 1. Preservation of wild tortoise and turtle populations is emphasized and information about care and husbandry of captive tortoises and turtles is provided by telephone (520) 883-3062.
An adult desert tortoise can measure up to 14 inches (35.5cm) in length. Hatchlings are only 2 to 2 1/2 inches (5 to 6.5 cm) long. The desert tortoise has a short tail, flattened front legs that are adapted for digging, elephant-like hind legs and a high-domed shell. Adult tortoises weigh eight to 15 pounds.
