ASU Researchers Decode Desert Tortoise Genome (VIDEO) Arizona State University This video is under embargo. Please login to access this video. Caption Arizona State University School of Life Sciences researchers and their collaborators may have a new tool to help conserve the Mojave Desert tortoise -- an iconic desert reptile in the Southwestern US For the first time, they have decoded the animal's genome and expect their findings to help direct conservation efforts in the future. This tortoise species is currently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. It's facing serious threats to its survival due to development, power lines, invasive grasses and an upper respiratory disease. Credit Samantha Lloyd/ASU VisLab Usage Restrictions All appearances of the video must include the Videographer's credit. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.