Texas Tortoise
QUICK FACTS
Scientific Name
Gopherus berlandieri
Species Survival Plan
No
Habitat
Dry scrub and grasslands
Predators
Fox, bobcat, coyote and eagle
Food
Grasses, weeds, flowers, prickly pear cactus and occasional grubs
Originally Native To
Southern Texas down through northeastern Mexico
Height
6 - 8 inches
Weight
Male 7 - 9 lb.
Female 5 - 7 lb.
Characteristics
Rather small with yellowish-orange plates on its shell and small spurs on its legs
Gestation Period
3 months
Offspring
Up to 7 eggs
Birth Season
April - September
Lifespan
Wild ?
Captivity 50 - 60 years
Social Behavior
Fairly solitary, males will fight when they come into contact; hibernate in winter
About Texas Tortoise
The Texas tortoise is the smallest of four species of gopher tortoises found in the United States. They range from southern Texas into northeastern Mexico. Fossils of these tortoises have been found in Texas that date back to 10 million B.C.
Texas tortoises are classified as a threatened species by U.S. Fish and Wildlife. They have been on the list since 1977 as a result of poor breeding, habitat destruction and exploitation from pet trade. There is a $10,000 fine if a person is found in possession of a Texas tortoise.
If you come across a Texas tortoise in the wild, make sure you never pick it up. Handling a wild tortoise is neither safe for you nor the tortoise.
This can stress out the tortoise and cause it to expel all the contents of its bladder as a last-resort defense mechanism. Doing this results in the loss of its water reserves and can cause the tortoise to slowly die of dehydration. In addition, all reptiles carry the bacteria Salmonella, which has no effect on them, but can make people very sick.
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ANYTHING YOU GIVE HELPS THE ANIMALS
As a private nonprofit corporation, Fossil Rim does not receive national or state government support. Every cent spent or donated here goes in some way, directly or indirectly, toward the care of our animals.