Desert tortoise  (Gopherus agassizii)

Description

This medium-sized tortoise inhabits the deserts of the western USA. The carapace varies in colour from light brown to dark with orange or yellowish markings (3). The front of the under shell (or plastron) is extended in a projection known as the ‘gular horn’, which is particularly pronounced in adult males (3). Males are also distinguished by having longer tails and a raised area to the rear of the plastron (4).

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