<P> Desert tortoises can live in areas with ground temperatures exceeding 140 ° F ( 60 ° C ) because of their ability to dig underground burrows and escape the heat . At least 95 % of their lives are spent in burrows . There , they are also protected from freezing winter weather while dormant , from November through February or March . Within their burrows , these tortoises create a subterranean environment that can be beneficial to other reptiles , mammals , birds , and invertebrates . </P>
<P> Desert tortoises can live in areas with ground temperatures exceeding 140 ° F ( 60 ° C ) because of their ability to dig underground burrows and escape the heat . At least 95 % of their lives are spent in burrows . There , they are also protected from freezing winter weather while dormant , from November through February or March . Within their burrows , these tortoises create a subterranean environment that can be beneficial to other reptiles , mammals , birds , and invertebrates . </P>
what protects the north american desert tortoise from heat
what protects the north american desert tortoise from heat
their ability to dig underground burrows
their ability to dig underground burrows