The Mojave Desert Tortoise is a keystone species for the entire Mojave Desert ecosystem, listed as a threatened species due to habitat degradation and destruction. This amazing animal has mastered desert survival, thriving in one of the harshest environments on earth, where temperatures can reach up to 135 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. They dig burrows to keep cool and provide proper humidity levels with their strong, shovel-like arms. Other animals use these borrows for protection as well, letting the tortoise do all the work to use their shelter. Without tortoises digging burrows, other species would struggle to survive the harsh desert environment. With no consistent water sources in the desert, the Mojave Desert Tortoise can go months without water, using its body as a canteen system, when it finally does rain, they replenish their water storage for future drought periods.

This species of tortoise has resided in the Mojave Desert for millions of years. Surviving through climate changes, volcanic activity and now human expansion and development. Although they are a very tough and hardy species, they are still very sensitive to human interaction and are experiencing habitat loss, off-road vehicle deaths and climate challenges from rising annual temperatures. As the climate warms, they spend more time underground in their burrows, leaving them less time to forage for food and replenish energy. Prolonged droughts reduce the wildflowers and cacti they depend on for food and water. It is a delicate balance of survival and human encroachment is declining their population numbers drastically.

Gopherus agassizii | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. (n.d.). Www.fws.gov. https://www.fws.gov/species/desert-tortoise-gopherus-agassizii

Freshwater. (1996, August). IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Gopherus agassizii. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; Name. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/9400/12983037

The Nature Conservancy. (2021, May 11). Desert Tortoise. The Nature Conservancy. https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/animals-we-protect/desert-tortoise/