It is easily seen in Sonoran Desert of Mexico, Mojave Desert of California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada. This terrestrial species is most active during the day and twilight meaning they are diurnal and crepuscular at the same time. It is such a kind of tortoise which is adapted to suit the extreme desert conditions. In some literature, the common name Morafka’s desert tortoise may be used, but we retain the common name, Sonoran desert tortoise, to avoid unnecessary confusion. In 2011, on the basis of DNA, geographic, and behavioral differences between desert tortoises east and west of the Colorado River, it was decided that two species of desert tortoises exist: Agassiz's desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) and Morafka's desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai). The desert tortoise is found primarily in the Sonoran Desert and Mojave Desert. In 2011, the Sonoran desert tortoise was elevated to full species status. The Morafka’s desert tortoise, and the Agassiz’s desert tortoise are the two species known to scientists. Differentiating Desert and Texas Tortoises; What's In a Name - Gopherus; Gopherus evgoodei, Goode's thornscrub tortoise . Possessing a hard upper shell which measures from nine to 15 inches, the desert tortoise … This timid reptile resides in sandy desert regions. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cooperating Agencies, and Arizona Interagency Desert Tortoise Team Natural Habitat. They feed mainly on … The Mojave desert tortoise was listed as threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 1990. Agassizii-berlandieri group (desert tortoise-Texas tortoise or Berlandier's tortoise) Around 10.5 million years ago (mid-Miocene) desert tortoises may have diverged from Texas tortoises (G. berlandieri) (McCord 2002) Lineages of Sonoran and Mojave tortoises diverged … These hardy creatures are capable of surviving the harsh desert environment, but are threatened by human activity. Although a few can be equally active at nights if it requires. Updated October 2015 What's In a Name - Gopherus; Gopherus berlandieri, Texas tortoise . The Sonorant desert tortoise is a species found throughout the sonorant range. Young ones are light coloured … Asked in Care of Reptiles , Reptiles , Turtles and Tortoises What is a nother name for tortoise ? In a major scientific analysis of the Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), tortoise biologists and geneticists split the species into two species after carefully looking at DNA samples. Desert Tortoise Facts For Kids and Information . Southwest North America in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. U.S. Physical Characteristics. SONORAN DESERT TORTOISE Gopherus morafkai : DESCRIPTION: A large (shell up to 380 mm or 15" in length) land tortoise with a dome-shaped carapace (top part of shell) that is marked by distinct growth … It is also illegal to attempt to engage in any such conduct.