Don Balke: Desert Tortoise

Artist: Don Balke
1932 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1999
Image Size: 12 by 10.75 inches
Overall Size: 12 by 13.25 inches
Medium: Water Color on Cold Press Illustration Board

A species of gopher tortoise, the Desert Tortoise inhabits deserts and open woodlands in the Southwestern United States and Mexico. This slow-moving reptile sports a large, brown shell made of bone with a horny covering, which it can withdraw inside of at the slightest disturbance or threat. Its hind legs are heavy and elephantlike, while its scaled forelegs are flattened and designed for burrowing. The Desert Tortoise digs long tunnels with spacious chambers at the end, where it spends the day resting, protected from the intense desert heat. When temperatures drop at twilight, the Desert Tortoise emerges from its underground haven and begins searching for food. It prefers the succulent plants that are so prevalent in the desert, but it will also eat seedlings, leaves, flowers and fallen fruits. Although the Desert Tortoise is primarily vegetarian, it has been known to occasionally eat insects. During mating season, the male battles for a female with its elongated anterior gular plates, located near the front of the throat. These protrusions act as levers to topple the rival onto its back. The winner claims the female, while the defeated opponent struggles to right itself. The toppled tortoise eventually succeeds by using the ground's irregularities, its own legs and extended neck, and by rocking back and forth.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover of the U.S. 33¢ Desert Tortoise stamp issued April 6, 1999.

Artwork Copyright © 1999 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB16354

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