TITLE:
Tropical Climates May Be Suitable for Endangered Desert Tortoise Exhibits, Rescues, Adoptions
AUTHORS:
Emily Richards, John Nogawski
KEYWORDS:
Desert Tortoise, Mojave Desert Tortoise, Gopherus agassizii, Tortoise Adoptions, Threatened Species, Endangered Species, Desert Tortoises in Captivity, Desert Tortoise Climate
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
Vol.13 No.3,
July
28,
2023
ABSTRACT: Governmental,
educational, environmental and other nonprofit organizations have placed efforts on conservation action for the
threatened Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). While federal and state institutions have focused
on the desert
tortoise in its native habitat of the southwestern United States, there are
other conservation groups whose work has been dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, rescue, placement and
adoption of the desert tortoise in civilian homes and neighborhoods as
well as sanctuaries, reserves and exhibits. AWAKE Community (AWAKE), a
nonprofit organization dedicated to natural
wildlife habitats and endangered species, has focused its research on
desert tortoises in captivity. The California Turtle and Tortoise Club (CTTC), the official adoption arm of California’s
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), has provided instruction on methods of care for desert tortoises raised in captivity including housing, feeding, sexing, health and
hibernation for both adults and hatchlings. AWAKE’s research has been aimed at
benefiting and supplementing the guidelines provided by CTTC, specifically for
coastal climates. AWAKE’s research has also aimed to provide insight to be
considered for expanding adoption possibilities to other locations,
specifically tropical climates, as adoption needs for desert tortoises have
increased. This manuscript
presents an
analysis of one coastal and one tropical climate that can serve as a basis for:
1) understanding and evaluating climate in both existing and potential habitats
for desert tortoise adoptions, rescues and exhibits, 2) providing insight and special instruction for
desert tortoise adoptions in coastal communities, and 3) expanding awareness around desert tortoise needs in captivity.