Tortoise Fun Tracs

 DT1 by Dave Card (099) 9-15-08_1

 Fun Facts

  • The Desert Tortoise is able to live where ground temperature may exceed 140 degrees F.

  • 95% of a Desert Tortoise’s life is spent in underground burrows

  • Ravens have caused more than 50 percent of juvenile Desert Tortoise deaths in some areas of the Mojave Desert.

  • Adult tortoises may survive a year or more without access to water.

  • Desert Tortoise populations have declined by 90 percent since the 1980s

  • Ravens are now one of the Desert turtle’s primary predators.

  • Much of the tortoise’s water intake comes from moisture in the grasses and wildflowers they consume in the spring.

  • It is unlawful to touch, harm, harass or collect a wild Desert Tortoise.


 Curious Facts

  • Class: Reptilia

  • Order: Chelonia

  • Suborder: Cryptodira

  • Super Family: Testudinoidea

  • Family: Testudinidae

  • Genus: Gopherus

  • Species: agassizii

 Vital Stats

  • Height: 4- 6" 

  • Sexual Maturity: 15-20 years

  • Mating Season: Aug.-Oct.

  • Incubation Period: 90-120 days

  • No. Of Eggs: 4-8

  • Birth Interval: 2-3/year

  • Lifespan: 80-100 years 

  • Weight: 8-15 lbs.Length (carapace): 9-15"

  • Typical diet: Herbs, grasses,wildflowers

     

    Tortoise Sites for Kids

    California Turtle & Tortoise Club

    Planet Z Kids

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

 

 Kids coloring pages

tortoise_1 

Desert Tortoise

Cartoon Tortoise

Tortoise with Facts

Tortoise in Desert