Tortoise

About

How tortoise lives

Tortoises are land turtles that move slowly through dry habitats, grazing plants and storing water carefully. Some tortoises can live for many decades, and giant species may live over a century. Desert animals conserve water carefully and often avoid the hottest hours of the day.

Conservation

Status and habitat pressure

Vulnerable species face mounting risks and can decline quickly if habitats continue to shrink. Protecting tortoise also depends on keeping desert, grassland habitats healthy and connected.

Vulnerable species can decline quickly when habitat loss, climate pressure, or human conflict intensifies.

Quick Facts

Things to notice

• Some tortoises can live for many decades, and giant species may live over a century.
• Many reptiles conserve energy well and can remain still for long periods before a quick burst of movement.
• Desert animals conserve water carefully and often avoid the hottest hours of the day.
• Vulnerable species face mounting risks and can decline quickly if habitats continue to shrink.