This long-lived reptile makes the most of limited food and water resources. Officially declared a threatened species by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the desert tortoise faces challenges to its continued survival now and in the future. Efforts are underway to protect populations and improve habitats for this and many other species. It's scaly reptilian skin is tough and protects against water loss. The tortoise's sharp claws and strong legs provide the tools needed to dig deep burrows in sandy soils.
Tortoises depend on water-rich grasses, plants, and flowers for food.
Tortoises relish spring and summer rains and seek out puddles where water collects. They store water within their bodies in a specialized urinary bladder. When water is scarce, they depend upon this internal water reserve to survive. Tortoises hatch from small eggs laid within burrows and reach maturity at about 15 years of age. For the first five years, life is risky for the small soft-shelled hatchlings, as they often fall prey to common ravens, coyotes, roadrunners, and other predators.