Arizona developers could face some obstacles if federal officials place the Sonoran Desert Tortoise on the endangered species list. It could mean more restrictions on where and what land they can ...

Seeing a turtle isn’t rare in California, especially in ponds and lakes in city parks. Unfortunately, many are abandoned pets and might be species from anywhere in the world. Only one type, ...

PHOENIX -- They're not fluffy, they don't play fetch and they certainly don't roll over. But there is such a thing as a lap tortoise. What's more, pet tortoises can wag their tails, will plod on up to ...

PHOENIX (AP) — They’re not fluffy, they don’t play fetch and they certainly don’t roll over. But there is such a thing as a lap tortoise. What’s more, pet tortoises can wag their tails, will plod on ...

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — Joshua trees and creosote brush poke up through the rocky earth of the Mojave Desert on an early spring afternoon. Mount Baldy towers in the distance, its snowcapped ...

The desert tortoise was first listed as threatened in 1990.

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today. Spotting a Mojave Desert tortoise is ...

Seeing a turtle isn’t rare in California, especially in ponds and lakes in city parks. Unfortunately, many are abandoned pets and might be species from anywhere in the world. Only one type, ...