What makes me so Special and Interesting?
Three Things That Tell My Body to get out of My Burrow in the Spring.
Protection of the Desert Tortoise
In 1989, the desert tortoise was listed (as an endangered species, however the current status is as a threatened species) by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. This listing means that the desert tortoise of the Mojave Desert, and its habitat shall be protected. Therefore people, agencies, and organizations have been working to protect the desert tortoise and its habitat since 1989. Two of these agencies are the Clark County Desert Conservation Program and the Desert Manager’s Group of Southern California.In cooperation with many other partners, and under the authority of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Clark County Desert Conservation Program and the Desert Manager’s Group of Southern California have developed plans that help protect several other native species and their habitats.
Studying the environment, learning about the species that live in the local environment, helps people to understand these plants and animals and how to protect them and the environments where they live. These environmental programs study plants and animals, learn what is most important for their survival, and take actions to benefit native species.
By studying the Mojave Desert, the behaviors of desert tortoises, and entering the Mojave Max Emergence Contest, you are also studying a native animal, learning about its survival behaviors, and will want to take actions to protect is habitat.Actions that Help Protect the Desert Tortoise
• Stay on designated roads and trails. Traveling off-roads destroys the homes and habitats of our .desert wildlife.
• Don’t litter our desert environment. Litter can harm plants, jeopardize wildlife, and tarnish our surroundings.
• Keep plants, and exotic pets at home. Many invasive species were once accidentally released into our desert environment.
• Leave the desert as you found it. Do not take plants, wildlife, soil, rocks or artifacts from the desert. All of the natural components of the.desert contribute to biodiversity and survival of.species.
• Keep pets contained, and pick up after them. Most pet waste is harmful to our desert environment. Bacteria from pet waste contaminate groundwater and threaten native.species.
• Don’t release helium-filled balloons. They will eventually burst, return to earth and can become harmful, even fatal to wildlife.
• Observe wildlife from a safe distance. You don’t .know what may be behind the next bush. Rattlesnakes and other poisonous reptiles may.bite if startled.
• Before starting a campfire, make sure campfires .are allowed and bring your own wood. Small animals use dead wood and shrubs for food and.shelter.
• If you do make a campfire, place it away from dry plants and put it out completely before leaving.
• The desert is everyone’s to Respect, Protect, .....and EnjoyTips to Protect Our Environment
Photo gallery of other residents at Mojave Max's home in the Red Rock National Conservation Area
Tortoise Gallery
Cactus Cate Gallery
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For program information: Christina Gibson
Web questions: Cindy Gates
