Gopherus

Gopherus is a genus of tortoises in the family Testudinidae, native to North America. The group includes several species commonly referred to as gopher tortoises or desert tortoises. Notable members are the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts of the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico; Morafka’s desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) in the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico; the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) in the southeastern United States; the Texas tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri) in Texas and northern Mexico; and the Bolson tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus) in northern Mexico. Taxonomic understanding has evolved, with some populations formerly treated as subspecies now recognized as distinct species.

Physiology and behavior: Gopherus tortoises are relatively large, with high-domed shells and thick limbs suited to digging. They are long-lived, with lifespans commonly extending many decades and sometimes exceeding 50 years in the wild. Most species are herbivorous, feeding on grasses, forbs, and woody vegetation, though occasional omnivorous intake of invertebrates has been observed in some populations. They typically have seasonal activity patterns tied to moisture and temperature.

Ecology: A key feature of Gopherus species is their burrow digging. Many species create extensive burrow systems that provide shelter for themselves and, in some regions, for other animals, making them important keystone species in certain ecosystems. Reproduction involves female nests in suitable substrate; eggs hatch after a period that depends on temperature and moisture.

Conservation: Habitat loss, fragmentation, wildfires, and disease threaten many populations. Several species are listed as threatened or endangered in parts of their range, and protection status varies by region and country.