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2007•The Southwestern NaturalistRequires access

OSTEOPHAGY BY THE DESERT TORTOISE (GOPHERUS AGASSIZII)

Andrew D. Walde, David K. Delaney, Meagan L. Harless, Larry L. Pater

Open publisher page 14 citations

Abstract

The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) has undergone significant declines in the past several decades. Thus, many carcasses are present across the desert landscape. Here we report on osteophagy by the desert tortoise, specifically the consumption of bones from deceased desert tortoises. Desert tortoises seem to have an appetite for calcium-rich substances. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of desert tortoises consuming conspecific skeletal remains.

About this research paper

What this paper is about

The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) has undergone significant declines in the past several decades. Thus, many carcasses are present across the desert landscape. Here we report on osteophagy by the desert tortoise, specifically the consumption of bones from deceased desert tortoises. Desert tortoises seem to have an appetite for calcium-rich substances. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of desert tortoises consuming conspecific skeletal remains.

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OpenAlex reports 14 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

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Available abstract

The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) has undergone significant declines in the past several decades. Thus, many carcasses are present across the desert landscape. Here we report on osteophagy by the desert tortoise, specifically the consumption of bones from deceased desert tortoises. Desert tortoises seem to have an appetite for calcium-rich substances. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of desert tortoises consuming conspecific skeletal remains.

Key concepts: Tortoise, Desert (philosophy), Geography, Ecology, Zoology, Biology, Law, Political science

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