Native to the Mojave and Sonoran deserts of the United States and Mexico, the desert tortoise can grow to be over 80 years old. It spends most of its time in burrows to help regulate its body temperature and water loss in order to survive the harsh climate of its natural habitat. History: Desert tortoises are classified as vulnerable on the conservation status spectrum, and their population numbers are negatively affected by human development, habitat loss and fragmentation, the introduction of new predators or competing species, and multiple diseases. Thankfully, there are many sanctuaries set up throughout the United States and Mexico in order to help stabilize the desert tortoise population. Scientific Name: Gopherus agassizii Size: Standing 1.5 inches tall and 3.25 inches long, this desert tortoise toy model is a bit shorter and longer than a deck of cards stood on its side.
