Research continues to shed light on the fascinating world of desert tortoise biology, and a recent study offers important insight into the genetic differences between two closely-related desert tortoise species: the Mojave Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) and the Sonoran Desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai). In a collaborative effort, researchers from Arizona State University (ASU) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) conducted a comparative genetic analysis to better understand how these species have evolved to survive in their respective ecoregions. The findings help explain why Mojave tortoises may be more vulnerable to certain environmental stressors than their Sonoran counterparts, and highlight the importance of tailoring conservation strategies to the unique needs of each species. Why Compare Mojave and Sonoran Tortoises? Though both species live in arid regions of the American

Did you know that lots of desert animals utilize burrows? Desert tortoises, burrowing owls, desert kit foxes, badgers, and other small mammals spend a lot of time underground and may even use each other’s burrows if they’re found vacant. When our biologists perform surveys, they work like detectives looking for clues to see who might be living there! Burrows created by desert tortoises have a distinctive half-moon shape, but if they see feathers or whitewash outside of the entrance, that may be a clue that an owl occupies that burrow! If they find suspiciously large claw-marks around the opening of a burrow, it’s likely a mammal living inside! Part of the fun of field biology is getting to work backward to understand the ecology of a site, which is why

Our next training class is anticipated to begin on February 3rd, 2025! This class is currently filled, but we are accepting applications for a second training class starting March 24, 2025. Click here to visit our Careers page for more info

  Did you know that there is no precise method of visually determining a tortoise’s age? Some use growth rings on the scutes of the carapace (top shell) to indicate age, but just like growth rings on a tree, a tortoise can develop no rings, or up to several growth rings per season. Others use forelimb size or shell length by measuring the midline carapace length (MCL) to estimate age, but these methods can still be inaccurate, as growth rates and length can vary year to year depending on food availability and environmental conditions. Upon hatching, tortoises emerge at around 45 mm (< 2 inches), and can grow up to 360mm (14.17 inches)! Our biologists estimate age in the field using carapace length at the midline (MCL) paired with other

The next  training group is scheduled for September 23rd 2024. Click here to visit our Careers page for more info

Did you know that one of the ways to determine the sex of a tortoise is by chin glands? Chin glands become present on males at sexual maturity and serve as chemical and visual signals to other tortoises. Dominant males have chin glands that are larger than other males’ and contain more testosterone. The more you know…

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Congrats to Jeremy for staying diligent and finding and saving this juvenile desert tortoise from harms way on a project site