The Life of Animals | Desert tortoise | This tortoise may attain a length of 10 to 14 inches (25 to 36 cm), with males being slightly larger than females. Male tortoises have a longer gular horn than females, Their Plastron (lower shell) is concave compared to female tortoises. Desert tortoises can grow from 4-6 "(10-15 cm) in height and weigh 8-15 lb (4-7 kg) fully grown. The tortoise is Able to live where ground temperature may exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) Because of its ability to dig underground Burrows and escape the heat.
Scientists have the desert tortoise Divided into two types: the Mojave and Sonoran Desert tortoises, with a possible third type in the Black Mountains of Northwestern Arizona. Tortoises mate in the spring and in the fall. Wild female tortoises can Produce two or possibly three clutches a year. Tortoises reach sexual maturity at the age of 15. Tortoise's landfill would attract predators, The Ravens, rats, and coyotes That would threaten tortoise population. 'Conservation Efforts' The Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee (DTPC) preserve 4.340 acres of DTNA in Kern County, 710 acres in San Bernardino County, and 80 acres in Riverside County, to protect Them from human invasion. The Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee, preserves approximately 5.000 acres of land to protect the endangered species from human activities.
Corollary to research, education campaigns are absolutely critical to Prevent captive tortoises from coming in contact with Wild Populations, as outlined in the case study by Johnson (2006). Education campaigns through veterinarians, government agencies, schools, Museums and community centers throughout the range of the desert tortoise Could be beneficial in limiting the spread of diseases into wild tortoises Populations.
Strategies may include Encouraging people to not breed Their captive tortoises, Ensure That different species of turtles and tortoises are not housed in the same facility (which would help to Prevent the Spread of novel diseases into the desert tortoise population), Ensure captive tortoises are adequately housed to Prevent Them from escaping into the wild, and to Ensure That captive turtles and tortoises are never released into the wild. In summary, desert tortoises have been severely impacted by disease. The combination of scientific research and public education are imperative to Curb the spread of disease and aid the tortoises in recovery.
