Desert Tortoise Video Stock Footage

These tortoises may attain a length of 10 to 14 in (25 to 36 cm), with males being slightly larger than females. A male tortoise has a longer gular horn than a female, his plastron (lower shell) is concave compared to a female tortoise. Males have larger tails than females do. Their shells are high-domed, and greenish-tan to dark brown in color. Desert tortoises can grow to 4–6 in (10–15 cm) in height. They can range in weight from .02 to 5 kg (0.044 to 11.023 lb). The front limbs have sharp, claw-like scales and are flattened for digging. Back legs are skinnier and very long. The new species name is in honor of the late Professor David Joseph Morafka of California State University, Dominguez Hills, in recognition of his many contributions to the study and conservation of Gopherus. Learn more about Desert Tortoise