Save the Desert Tortoise

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Save the Desert Tortoise
http//www.tortoise.com
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Desert tortoises live n the deserts of the
southern United States and North-western Mexico.
The can live where the ground temperature may
exceed 140-degree F. It is capable to escape such
a high temperature due to their ability to dig
underground burrows. Some of these tortoise
tunnels are up to 32 feet in length. To catch
rainwater, they dig grooves into on the ground
surface. After a strong storm, these tortoises go
to these holes to drink the water that has been
collected. They can go up to a year without
drinking water again. They store their water in
the bladder and later absorb the liquid when they
feel thirsty. But unfortunately, these tortoises
are listed as a threatened species under the
Endangered Species Act. Despite being listed in
Endangered Species Act, the number of desert
tortoises is declining drastically. Below are few
ways by which can help in saving these desert
tortoises.
http//www.tortoise.com
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1. Do not litter or dump garbage in a desert. The
   tortoise can get entangled easily in the trash
   and the garbage attracts the ravens who feed on
   tortoise.
2. Leave them alone, do not touch them as it
   possibly causes the tortoise to empty their
   bladder and lose the moisture which is essential
   for their survival.

http//www.tortoise.com
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• Always stay on designated areas, never drive bike
  or walk off the designated areas on desert.
• If you park your vehicle on a desert, check
  underneath your vehicle before driving to ensure
  there is no tortoise resting under the shade of
  your vehicle.

http//www.tortoise.com
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• Drive slowly and be alert on the desert roads to
  avoid crushing a tortoise. They usually look like
  a rock from distance hence makes sure you are
  avoiding them.
• Never release a pet tortoise in the desert. They
  probably wont survive and may infect the other
  tortoises with disease.

http//www.tortoise.com
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American Tortoise Rescue 30765 Pacific Coast
Hwy Malibu, California, 90265 310-589-5521

http//www.tortoise.com