Desert tortoise  (Gopherus agassizii)

The population of desert tortoises has declined throughout their range, habitat has been degraded by development, mining and the grazing of livestock (4). In addition, these tortoises are collected for the illegal pet trade and are at risk from desert vehicles (6).

The desert tortoise is listed as Threatened on the U.S. Endangered Species Act and is protected throughout its range. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has published a Recovery Plan for the species that recommends managing areas of suitable habitat for tortoise conservation (7). The Desert Tortoise Council was established in 1976 and is working to promote the conservation of this rare tortoise (8).