The Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is considered a reptile. The Mojave Desert tortoise is found in the following states: California, Utah, Nevada and Arizona west of the Colorado River. The Mojave Desert Tortoise is found below 5,000’ elevation, in flat areas, slopes and rocky areas. They are found in Creosote/Bursage and Joshua Communities. They mainly eat grasses, flowers and cactus. They get 80-90% of their water supply from the vegetation that they eat, the other 10 to 20 percent they get from rainfall. Tortoises can store water in their bladders up to one year or more. It is extremely important when you find a desert tortoise in the wild to keep your distance, stay calm and talk softly, otherwise they may void (pee) when spooked. The Mojave Desert Tortoise is active March thru October, however, in June to August, due to the heat, they are more active in the morning and evenings. The Mojave Desert Tortoise has a brumation period, inactivity and lowered metabolism during November thru February. The main threats are: ravens, humans, vehicle, habitat loss, livestock grazing, invasive weeds as well as increase wildfires and illegal dumping.
I never see a tortoise, why are we adding fencing?
Desert tortoise fencing protects the Mojave Desert Tortoise from entering the highway and being injured or killed as well as keeping the traveling public safe.
By installing desert tortoise fence in areas, that we know inhabit populations of desert tortoises, the Nevada Department of Transportation as well as other federal, state agencies are protecting the desert tortoise and their population from decreasing and directing desert tortoises to cross at safe areas, such as wildlife crossing underneath the highway.
Desert Tortoises covered by any Federal Requirements?
The Desert Tortoise is Covered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA)
The Mojave Desert Tortoise is listed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as a Threatened Specie under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
Are there any state requirements for biologists to work with the Desert Tortoise?
The Mojave Desert Tortoise is listed and protected by the Nevada Division of Wildlife (NDOW). To legally handle a desert tortoise as an Authorized Biologist on projects, you need to complete an application with NDOW, as well as with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, if it is a federally funded project.
Nevada DOT. Keeping You Safe and Connected.