Information about the Desert Tortoise, the official state reptile of California.
From the California State Library: The Desert Tortoise
Under a full head of steam, the desert tortoise
(gopherus agassizi) moves at a stolid pace of about
20 feet per minute. This patient vegetarian has
existed on Earth almost unchanged for millions of
years. It is found in the southwestern desert areas
of California where it now enjoys protected status
as an endangered species. The desert tortoise played
a key role in the passage of the California Desert
Protection Act in 1994. To protect the fragile desert
habitat of the tortoise and other plants and animals,
millions of acres were added to the national park
and wilderness system. Supporters reportedly brought
a desert tortoise to the White House for the bill
signing. The tortoise has been the official
State Reptile since 1972.
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