Sonoran Desert tortoise facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sonoran Desert tortoise |
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| Sonoran Desert tortoise, G. morafkai | |
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VU (TFTSG Draft Red List)
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The Sonoran Desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) is a special type of tortoise that lives in the Sonoran Desert. It is also known as Morafka's desert tortoise. These tortoises are well-adapted to living in hot, dry places. They spend a lot of their time in burrows to stay cool.
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Discovering the Sonoran Desert Tortoise
For a long time, scientists thought there was only one type of desert tortoise. But in 2011, they learned something new. Scientists studied the tortoises' DNA, where they lived, and how they behaved. They found important differences between the tortoises living east and west of the Colorado River.
Two Kinds of Desert Tortoises
Because of these differences, scientists decided there are actually two distinct species. One is called Agassiz's desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). This one lives west of the Colorado River. The other is the Sonoran Desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai).
Where the Sonoran Tortoise Lives
The Sonoran Desert tortoise, Gopherus morafkai, lives east of the Colorado River. You can find it in Arizona in the United States. It also lives in parts of Mexico, specifically in the states of Sonora and Sinaloa.
How the Tortoise Got Its Name
The Sonoran Desert tortoise was named in honor of a very important scientist. His name was Professor David Joseph Morafka. He taught at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Professor Morafka spent many years studying and working to protect Gopherus tortoises. Naming the species after him was a way to recognize his great work.
