California desert tortises

How long can a california desert tortoise hold its breath underwater?

Comments for California desert tortises

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Jun 21, 2016
Desert tortoise in pond
by: Anonymous

Living in Arizona we built a shallow Pond for a desert tortoise to cool off and even though his burrow is shaded he gets in his pond and will put his head under water I was always curious how long he could hold his breath. he seems to enjoy submerging. He will get in his pond and sit for about 10 minutes just soaking

Sep 15, 2015
Tortoises and water
by: Anonymous

Because they live underground in an area prone to flash flooding. They have to be able to get out of a flooded burrow and to higher ground.

Also when they come out of hibernation they are severely dehydrated and will submerge their heads for several minutes while they drink.

Mar 01, 2014
A long time
by: Anonymous

At least 5 minutes. I have a tortoise that just came out of hibernation. It stuck its head down into the water and drank for that long without stopping.

Sep 21, 2009
underwater california desert tortoise
by: Anonymous

Why would a desert tortoise need to go underwater at all? They aren't swimmers.

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