desert tortoise
noun
: a large burrowing land tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) of arid regions of the southwestern U.S. and adjacent Mexico
Examples of desert tortoise in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Because of loss, degradation and fragmentation of habitats, the Mojave desert tortoise remains an endangered species in California, federal wildlife officials say.
—
Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026
The project sits in desert tortoise critical habitat, prompting concern from conservationists.
—Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Unfortunately, the abundance of grasses won’t translate to more food for the desert tortoises, jackrabbits and mule deer, whose palates lean toward the native plants that buffelgrass crowds out.
—Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 13 Mar. 2026
On the practical side, MVBC’s biologists might check desert tortoise fencing for gaps, ensure trenches have escape ramps so wildlife can climb out, and that holes are covered to prevent smaller animals from getting trapped.
—William Jones, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025
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Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026
The project sits in desert tortoise critical habitat, prompting concern from conservationists.
—Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Unfortunately, the abundance of grasses won’t translate to more food for the desert tortoises, jackrabbits and mule deer, whose palates lean toward the native plants that buffelgrass crowds out.
—Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 13 Mar. 2026
On the practical side, MVBC’s biologists might check desert tortoise fencing for gaps, ensure trenches have escape ramps so wildlife can climb out, and that holes are covered to prevent smaller animals from getting trapped.
—William Jones, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for desert tortoise
Cite this Entry
“Desert tortoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desert%20tortoise. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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