[4] Bogert and Oliver were the first researchers to notice a distinct morphology in the southern range of what was then considered G. agassizii, but could not confirm a new species due to limitations of small sample size.

[6] The authors then conducted a large-scale genetic analysis that when combined with significant ecological and morphological differentiation, suggested that the southernmost Gopherus "Sinaloan" population constituted a newly described species, G.

[3] Gopherus evgoodei differs from G. morafkai and G. agassizii in that it is flatter in its shell profile, has rounded foot pads and multiple enlarged spurs on the radial-humeral joint.

[4] Gopherus evgoodei lives in hills and low mountains, and prefers slopes, boulders and rock outcrops.

[3] In 2018, the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group recommended a re-assessment and re-classification of all six Gopherus species.