The desert tortoise is well adapted to survival in the harsh environment of the Mojave desert. 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.

Tortoises of all ages face threats from mankind, too. Increased urban development in the deserts of California and other states have fragmented and reduced suitable habitat. Certain fatal diseases appear to be spreading among tortoises populations. Poaching, the use of off-highway vehicles within tortoise habitat, and crushing by automobiles have also continued to threaten tortoise populations.

Tortoises and their designated habitat are protected by federal laws. Recovery plans for this species are currently being implemented, and studies are underway to discover more about the tortoises life cycle and how to best manage this wildlife resource and ensure its long-term survival.

The best opportunities for viewing tortoises are spring and summer season mornings, early evenings and during rainstorms.

Remember these points:

• Please do not attempt to handle a tortoise. When frightened, it empties it’s bladder as a defense mechanism. Loss of this important water can prove fatal to the tortoise. Also, it is unlawful to handle a tortoise under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Observe it from a distance. Binoculars or telephoto lenses work well for close-up views.


• Check under your vehicle before driving away. Tortoises enjoy the shade under your car on a hot day. Give him time to get out of your way on his own.


• Observe speed limits within the Preserve. Be especially watchful during and after rainstorms, when tortoises often enter roadways to drink from puddles.


• Keep all vehicles on established roads only. Off-road vehicles crush tortoise burrows, tortoises and eggs within.