Desert tortoise

The desert tortoise is a slow-moving reptile adapted to arid environments, primarily found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It has a large, dome-shaped shell that provides protection and helps conserve water. Its sturdy limbs and claws are suited for digging burrows, which offer shelter from extreme heat and predators. The tortoise is herbivorous, feeding mainly on grasses, wildflowers, and cacti. As a vulnerable species, it plays a vital role in desert ecosystems, and conservation efforts are important to protect its habitat from threats like development and human activity.