Desert Tortoise

scientific name

Gopherus agassizii

size/weight/height

Shell Length: up to 16"

adaptations/coloration

Front Limbs: flattened for digging

behavior

primarily crepuscular
Burrows: dig burrows that may be used by other animals
Defense: males use front of plastron as a ramrod in rivalry fights

reproduction/lifespan

Lifespan: acclimated adult specimens have lived in captivity for decades
Incubation: 84 - 120 days

diet

Wild: plant matter • will eat meat if available
Zoo: calcium supplements, fruit, meat occasionally & vegetables

habitat/range

dry regions • southern U.S. & northern Mexico

status

CITES App. II • USFWS threatened • all species in genus Gopherus are threatened or endangered & highly protected in several states

oregon zoo exhibit

Education Programs