People often use the words turtle and tortoise interchangeably, but these reptiles have distinct differences: Turtle shells are typically more flattened and not as deeply domed as tortoise shells, but ...

DESCRIPTION: The desert tortoise is terrestrial, with an oblong, domed shell and round, elephantine hind legs. Males may be slightly larger than females; average lengths range between six and 14.6 ...

They are quite an astonishing sight with their huge domed shells, their big scaly legs and their oddly prehistoric faces. The giant tortoises aren’t the only natural wonders on Bird Island.