'mojave desert tortoise

The Mojave Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is a reptile species endemic to the Mojave Desert of North America that is facing extinction.  It is known for its dome-shaped, brown-to-tan carapace and elephant-like, sturdy limbs. Adults typically reach 10–14 inches (25–35 cm) in length and weigh between 8 and 15 pounds (3.6–6.8 kg). The tortoise spends the majority of its life underground in burrows to escape the extreme desert temperatures. It feeds on native grasses, wildflowers, and cacti. The exact remaining population is uncertain, but it is believed to be severely fragmented and decreasing. The primary threats to the Mojave Desert tortoise include habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation due to urbanization, off-road vehicle use, renewable energy development, and invasive species. Disease outbreaks, predation, and climate change also pose challenges to their conservation.