Tortoise identification help

emorgan21

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Mar 26, 2021
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San Diego
Hello everyone. I am new here and to tortoises. I may be inheriting this 30 year old tortoise from an acquaintance and I am trying to figure out what species it is. Thank you for your help.

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Ink

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Can you try to get a picture of his plastron?
 

Yvonne G

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It's definitely a male desert tortoise. . . Gopherus agassizii. The chin glands are a dead giveaway. The color is because of the wet shell, and the fact he was captive hatched.
 

emorgan21

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Mar 26, 2021
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San Diego
It's definitely a male desert tortoise. . . Gopherus agassizii. The chin glands are a dead giveaway. The color is because of the wet shell, and the fact he was captive hatched.
The owner said it was a desert tortoise but I had never seen such coloration so wanted to double check. Thanks!
 

KarenSoCal

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Low desert 50 mi SE of Palm Springs CA
Thank you everyone for your help. Now I know what species to look up for care information.
They are cared for the same as a Russian tortoise.

Here's our care sheet...


Be really suspicious of any advice you are given that's not from this forum. Because these torts live in the desert, many folks who don't know what they're talking about would have you keep him bone dry and no water. That's total hogwash! Don't fall for it!

Read this care sheet and ask questions here. We'll help you, and aren't trying to get you to buy anything from us.

I used to have a sweet DT named Chug, around 15 years old. Unfortunately he died in hibernation last spring. I still really miss him, even though I have a 3 year old tort to run my life now. :D:tort::<3:
 

Tom

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Thank you everyone for your help. Now I know what species to look up for care information.
Be careful. Almost everything you look up for this species will be old, out-dated, and plain wrong. Read that care info that Karen posted for you.

Questions are welcome!
 

emorgan21

New Member
Joined
Mar 26, 2021
Messages
7
Location (City and/or State)
San Diego
They are cared for the same as a Russian tortoise.

Here's our care sheet...


Be really suspicious of any advice you are given that's not from this forum. Because these torts live in the desert, many folks who don't know what they're talking about would have you keep him bone dry and no water. That's total hogwash! Don't fall for it!

Read this care sheet and ask questions here. We'll help you, and aren't trying to get you to buy anything from us.

I used to have a sweet DT named Chug, around 15 years old. Unfortunately he died in hibernation last spring. I still really miss him, even though I have a 3 year old tort to run my life now. :D:tort::<3:
Thank you so much! I will definitely ask questions.
 
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