Yes, I know my last real blog entry was about a tortoise book. Well, this entry is, too.

Thomas R. Van Devender has written this work on the plight of the threatened Sonoran and Sinaloan desert tortoises, relatives of the well known "regular" desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii.

"Differences in climate and habitat have shaped the evolution of three races of desert tortoises as they have adapted to changes in heat, rainfall, and sources of food and shelter as the deserts developed in the last ten million years. This book presents the first comprehensive summary of the natural history, biology, and conservation of the Sonoran and Sinaloan desert tortoises, reviewing the current state of knowledge of these creatures with appropriate comparisons to Mohave tortoises."

I haven't read it yet. I have of course added it to my Amazon.com wish list.

Links to info about the book:
University of Arizona Press web page (purchase the book here)
Electronic Green Journal book review
Smithsonian National Zoological Park book review

Try adding up all the fines you will receive if you mess with this animal:
Summary of Laws That Protect Desert Tortoises

Links to more great desert tortoise information:
Desert Tortoise Wildlife Information
Desert Tortoise, Gopherus agassizii
The Desert Tortoise Council
California Turtle and Tortoise Club's Desert Tortoise Care Sheet
Desert Tortoise Diet Sheet

And a great desert tortoise picture to print for your kids to color:
Desert Tortoise Printout