The desert tortoise is a slow-moving reptile native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It has a high-domed shell that provides protection from predators and helps retain moisture. These tortoises can live for over 50 years and are well-adapted to their dry environment, often burrowing underground to escape extreme temperatures. Desert tortoises are herbivores, primarily feeding on grasses, wildflowers, and cacti. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem by helping to disperse seeds and maintain plant diversity. Unfortunately, their populations are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and human activities.