Desert Tortoise Conservation Innovations

Desert Tortoise Conservation Innovations

This Project proposes to conduct a scientific study to address the underlying threats facing the desert tortoise using a wide array of newly available tools in a coordinated manner. This Project will simultaneously address three threats: raven predation, invasive plant displacement of native food plants, and severe, persistent drought. The goals of the Project include the following: (1) Use a broad range of tortoise conservation tools and techniques to enhance tortoise survival at known tortoise hotspots; (2) operate on a regional basis to reduce predator pressure by eliminating subsidies, discouraging reproduction of ravens and hazing them at roosts and other gathering points; (3) monitor with a scientifically-valid approach tortoise status and changes in raven numbers and movement patterns in the study area over multiple years; (4) study “hotspot” conditions in more detail to inform refinement of management actions and to better predict other areas for acquisition or targeted conservation actions, especially in light of expected changes driven by climate change; (5) share tools, techniques, and results with broader conservation community; (6) ensure maximum use of the data gathered and lessons learned by coordinating our actions with relevant federal and state agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Mojave National Preserve; and (7) integrating technological advances over the course of the Project. WCB Project Tracker ID: 2023178.

6 miles east of Boron, CA

San Bernardino

Southern California