LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey and various agencies are constantly monitoring the health of desert tortoises released into the wild, helping preserve the population of the threatened reptiles.
FOX5 was there for the release of 30 desert tortoises into the desert in April 2023. FOX5 was there for a late-May monthly check-up; due to a good winter, most of the juvenile tortoises survived.
“They are growing considerably. We did receive some good 2023 to 2024 winter rain, which has provided abundant food source, ” said Sarah Doyle, a biologist with the U.S.G.S. “Juvenile tortoises, especially hatchlings unfortunately, they’re very susceptible to predation,” Doyle said. Some of the original hatchlings have not made it, and the area has been subject to coyotes and ravens.
High-frequency transmitters help scientists find the tortoises. Researchers take care to limit physical interaction, especially during summer months, and may simply observe the tortoises in their burrows.
Scientists measure them monthly, track their movements and analyze the vegetation around their habitat. Their reports help conservation leaders make the best decisions for conservation planning and action.
“We can’t just look at one year and say that’s good enough to support the tortoise for many years to come. We are still within a long-term drought,” Doyle said. “This has been very good short-term for the tortoise. We hope to continue to see that rain coming, hopefully some summer rain as well, which will produce another crop of annual vegetation that will hopefully benefit the tortoises later this year as well, and allow them to continue growing and remain healthy,” she said.
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