Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), native to the Mojave desert and Sonoran desert of the southwestern United States and nw Mexico. Can grow 10 to 14 in. (25-36cm) long from 4–6in. (10–15cm) tall and weigh 8–15 lb (4–7kg) fully grown. Able to live where ground temperature may exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60C) because of ability to dig underground burrows and escape the heat; at least 95% of its life is spent in burrows. Classified as Vulnerable Species. Joshua Tree National Park, CA.