Desert Tortoise Information

Desert Tortoise are having a hard time these days.

Climate change, severe drought, human population explosion and ravens are all factors putting a lethal weight on the population of the ancient creature that lives most of its life underground, dormant.

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There is just no food and Ravens are popular around Chiriaco Summit being an oasis in the desert where trash and scraps are often littered, instead of put into a covered trash can provided by Chiriaco. 

 

Over the last 13 years at Chiriaco Summit, I have witnessed several dozen tortoise interactions, while providing ecological engagements of the Chiriaco Plateau.  In the last 3 years, i have only seen 2 (spring 2023), and I also saw 2 shells of dead tortoise.  I have never seen shells or dead tortoise before on any trails or roads.

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Desert Stewards Ecological Engagements provide opportunities for guests and locals of the Coachella Valley to immerse in the Tortoise Ecology, connect to the land and go slow and quiet to protect all of the creatures living in the Desert Tortoise Linkage Reserve conservation area.

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Remember, don't pick up or touch or get too close to Tortoise.  They may urinate from fear and loose vital water resources that can kill them.  Tortoise are masters of recycling, and conserving water.  Please only move a tortoise if it is in immediate danger of death or being harmed.  Provide water after the event if they do urinate.

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Peace, light and love,

Randall James