This terrestrial species is most active during the day and twilight meaning they are diurnal and crepuscular at the same time. In 2011, the Sonoran desert tortoise was elevated to full species status. The Sonorant desert tortoise is a species found throughout the sonorant range. They feed mainly on … These hardy creatures are capable of surviving the harsh desert environment, but are threatened by human activity. Scientific Classification; Quick Information It is easily seen in Sonoran Desert of Mexico, Mojave Desert of California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada. Candidate Conservation Agreement for the Sonoran Desert Tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) in Arizona. The Morafka’s desert tortoise, and the Agassiz’s desert tortoise are the two species known to scientists. The Sonoran Desert Tortoise is split off from Mojave Desert Tortoise, and given a new name… 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 … 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 … Asked in Care of Reptiles , Reptiles , Turtles and Tortoises What is a nother name for tortoise ? 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. It is also illegal to attempt to engage in any such conduct. Desert tortoises are actually two separate species of tortoise native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. If lawfully obtained, Sonoran desert tortoises may be privately adopted, but desert tortoise adoption in Arizona is … Natural Habitat. The currently accepted scientific name is now Gopherus morafkai. The Sinaloan Desert Tortoise; Gopherus morafkai, Morafka's, or Sonoran desert tortoise . Desert Tortoise Facts For Kids and Information . Differentiating Desert and Texas Tortoises; What's In a Name - Gopherus; Gopherus evgoodei, Goode's thornscrub tortoise . The desert tortoise is found primarily in the Sonoran Desert and Mojave Desert. Updated October 2015 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). Fish and Wildlife Service, Cooperating Agencies, and Arizona Interagency Desert Tortoise Team This timid reptile resides in sandy desert regions. Scientific Name Desert Tortoise: Gopherus Agassizii Distribution and Habitat Geographic Range. Physical Characteristics. It is such a kind of tortoise which is adapted to suit the extreme desert conditions. Although a few can be equally active at nights if it requires. 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 tortoises live in deserts, scrub forests, mountains and tropical deciduous forests in northwestern Mexico and southwestern US, particularly in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. Southwest North America in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. U.S. What's In a Name - Gopherus; Gopherus berlandieri, Texas tortoise .