One minute of a desert tortoise walking for your viewing pleasure, coming right up. 🐢 Desert tortoises are tough survivors and have several adaptations that help them thrive in the dry heat. Their flattened front legs allow them to easily dig and create burrows to keep warm on cold nights and keep cool during the hot summer. They can also store water in their bladder and save it for emergencies. They obtain most of their moisture through food but still need a good drink every so often. When it