Mexican giant tortoise
A species of Gopher tortoises, Also known as Bolson tortoise Scientific name : Gopherus flavomarginatus Genus : Gopher tortoises
Mexican giant tortoise, A species of Gopher tortoises
Also known as:
Bolson tortoise
Scientific name: Gopherus flavomarginatus
Genus: Gopher tortoises
Content
Description General Info
Photo By joseantonioap , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Bolson tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus), also called the Mexican giant tortoise or yellow-margined tortoise, is a species of tortoise from North America. Of the six North American tortoise species, it is the largest, having a carapace length of about 46 cm (18 in). It lives in a region of the Chihuahuan Desert known as the Bolsón de MapimÃ, which is located in north-central Mexico.
General Info
Lifespan
30-50 years
Diet
Mexican giant tortoise primarily subsists on a herbivorous diet, making cacti and succulent vegetation its primary food source. Notably, it exhibits a preference for Opuntia cacti, deriving water and nutrients from this desert plant.
Appearance
Mexican giant tortoise is a medium-sized tortoise with a domed, almost circular, shell that ranges from tan to yellowish-brown. Its skin is a similar color to its shell, except for the dark brown or black areas on the carapace. Males possess a more concave plastron and longer gular horns than females. There are no distinctive markings or patterns on its body.
Behavior
Mexican giant tortoise is largely solitary, occupying and fiercely defending its burrow. This herbivorous species is active during the day, using its strong limbs and claws for foraging. Exceptionally temperature sensitive, it uses burrows for thermo-regulation, spending significant daylight hours hibernating in cooler months. Its survival adaptation involves retreating into its shell, covering the exposed parts using its thick, flat hind limbs.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Tortoises Genus
Gopher tortoises Species
Mexican giant tortoise 
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