Tuesday, December 21, 2010

100 Pound African Tortoise Found in Arizona

The Arizona Game and Fish Department recently found a 100 pound tortoise living in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. Native Arizona turtles rarely get up to 15 pounds. Scientists believe this African spurred tortoise was an exotic pet and released into the wild. Although these invasive turtles' native environment is similar to the Arizona desert, that does not mean they are not a serious threat to the ecosystem and native species. Scientists want to send out a reminder on how important it is to not release exotic pet species into the wild. Click here to read more.