Morafka's desert tortoise

Description:

These tortoises 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. Males have larger tails than females do. Their shells are high-domed, and greenish-tan to dark brown in color. Desert tortoises can grow from 4–6"(10–15 cm) in height and weigh 8–15 lb (4–7 kg) when fully grown. The front limbs have sharp, claw-like scales and are flattened for digging. Back legs are skinnier and very long.

Habitat:

The tortoises are able to live where ground temperature may exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) because of their ability to dig underground burrows and escape the heat. At least 95% of its life is spent in burrows. There, it is also protected from freezing winter weather while dormant, from November through February or March. With its burrow, this tortoise creates a subterranean environment that can be beneficial to other reptiles, mammals, birds and invertebrates.

Notes:

I can't believe my friend saw this little guy. It's amazing we didn't either step on it or pass it without noticing it. I was assisting my friend with his population survey during his time as the chief desert tortoise biologist for the State of Arizona. Yep, it sure pays to know people! ;-)