tortoises also have a concave plastron used for mounting females during breeding season.5RangeThe natural range of the desert tortoise encompasses both the Sonoran and Mohave deserts in Southwestern Utah, Southern Nevada, Southeastern California, and Western Arizona in the United States. They also occur in the Sinaloan deserts in Northern Mexico.To survive the harsh environment of the hot, dry desert; desert tortoises dig burrows under rocks or at the base of bushes. The tortoises need firm but not hard ground to dig through. Most burrows have a half-moon shaped opening and can be anywhere from 3 to 30 feet deep. The shorter burrows offer temporary shelter, while the longer ones called dens are used for hibernation. Desert Tortoises spend most of their lives underground. 6BehaviorThe desert tortoise is most active during the day or the morning and evening, depending on the temperature. This tortoise spends most of its life underground. It burrows under the sand to protect itself from extreme desert temperatures, which range from 140 degrees Fahrenheit to well below freezing. Adults can survive for about a year without water. They produce a variety of sounds, including hisses and grunts. When in danger, tortoises can withdraw their head, legs, and tail into the shell.7BreedingThe breeding season for desert tortoises runs from March to May. Some breeding activity may be noticed in the fall, but egg laying usually only takes place during the earlier parts of the year. The male will approach the female, bobbing his head vehemently. The female usually will attempt to move away from the male, forcing him to follow her. When the male finally corners the female, his head bobbing will increase, and he will begin circling the female, biting her head and forelegs. The male will then begin pushing into the female, forcing her to withdraw into her shell. When the female becomes quiet, the male will mount. About 25 to 40 days after copulation, the ...
