Other Sources about Mojave Max and the Mojave Desert:


Mojave Max and all of the plants and animals that live in our desert would like to thank you for visiting our website!

All of the links on this page lead off of MojaveMax.com, so please have permission from a parent or relative before leaving the site. Come back and see us again soon, and remember to Respect, Protect, and Enjoy our desert!

Do What Max Would Do...

Mojave Max wants you to enjoy our wonderful desert environment. Remember to Respect, Protect, and Enjoy our desert!

Mojave Max teaches that when you’re in the desert:

  • Stay on established roads and trails.
  • If you pack it in, pack it out.
  • Leave soil, rocks, plants and animals alone.
  • Respect, Protect & Enjoy our Desert!


Check out the Mojave Max Emergence Video:


Who is Mojave Max?

Mojave Max (Gopherus agassizzii) is a desert tortoise that lives at Red Rock Canyon NCA. Max is a desert "spokestortoise" for all the wild tortoises that live in the Mojave Desert and serves as a major symbol of the desert.
     Max is a 23yr. old reptile who weighs 10 lbs. and is 12 inches long.  He resides next to seven females in his Red Rock Canyon habitat.  The desert tortoise can live to be 60-80yrs. old in the wild and spends 95% of its life in a burrow.
     Since the desert tortoise is Nevada's state reptile, Max serves as an important reminder to respect, protect and enjoy all the animals plants of the Mojave Desert!
What is the Emergence Contest?
The real life Mojave Max lives in Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas, NV. Every fall the hot Las Vegas weather cools off, and Max goes into his burrow to begin brumation.
When will he emerge?
That is the question all of our contestants need to answer. The person who guesses as closely as possible to the correct day, hour, and minute when Max emerges from his burrow wins! Anyone in the whole world can enter, but only one lucky winner from Clark County, Nevada (or other sponsored areas) can win all kinds of great prizes!
When has Max emerged in the past?
To see past emergence times as well as view past winners, click here!
Where does the real Mojave Max live?
Mojave Max lives at the Visitor Center in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Do desert tortoises hibernate?
Nope! They go through a similar process, called brumation.
What are three factors that cause the desert tortoise to emerge in the spring?
Warmer temperatures, longer days, and internal clock (instinct)
What are three threats to Max's home?
Habitat loss, collection & vandalism, and increased predation by ravens.
How long can a desert tortoise live?
60-80 years!
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