Desert Tortoise

The Desert Tortoise is one of only 40 species of land-dwelling tortoises found on earth. Species inhabit some of the most arid parts of the world and on all   continents except Antarctica and Australia.  They are characterized by domed shells and elephantlike limbs.  Other species of Land Tortoises include the giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands and islands in the Indian Ocean.   The Desert Tortoise is protected by Arizona law.

Identifying one

The Desert Tortoise is 8 to 15 inches long and  has a high-dome shell, usually with prominent growth lines on the shields on both the top and bottom parts of shell.   Its forelimbs are covered with large scales.  When the tortoise draws in its limbs openings in the shell close. The top of shell (carapace) is brown or horn-colored and the underneath shell ( plastron ) is yellowish without a hinge.

The Desert Tortoise is easy to track, assuming you can find their tracks.  The tracks consist of parallel rows of rounded dents, the direction of travel indicated by sand heaped up at the rear of each mark.

Prefers washes

Lives completely on land and frequents washes.  It requires firm but not hard ground for construction of burrows such as in banks of washes.  There must be   adequate ground moisture for the eggs and young to survive and to produce the cacti and  grass that it eats.  Creosote bush is often present in its habitat.

Burrows and tunnels

Burrows are often found at bases of bushes, have half-moon-shaped openings and may be from 3 to 30 feet long. Each burrow may be occupied by one to many individuals .   Short tunnels afford temporary shelters; longer ones called dens are used for avoiding harsh weather: hibernation (winter)  and estivation (summer).

Ravens are a threat

The female lays 1 to 15 eggs in a clutch from May to July. In good years there may be 2 clutches of eggs and possible, but rarely, three clutches.  Young turtles have flexible shells and their nails are longer and sharper than those of the adult.

In addition to the encroachment of man, ravens – another creature that has been  introduced to Arizona – are taking a heavy toll on young tortoises. Using their sharp beaks Ravens are able to penetrate the shells of young turles and kill them.   If the turtle is not underground, it has no defense.