Desert Tortoise

scientific name

Gopherus agassizii

size

Shell Length. up to 16"

characteristics

Front Limbs. flattened for digging

behavior

primarily crepuscular
Burrows. may be used by other animals
Fights. males use front of plastron as a ramrod in rivalry fights

reproduction/life span

Life span. 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 US & 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