The Army: making a fast mover out of the Desert Tortoise

California's state reptile, the Desert Tortoise is losing more of its habitat in the Mojave Desert thanks to the United States Army. Their plans to move approximately 1100 tortoises to nearby locations they say is for the purpose of expanding training grounds and will take place in Spring of 2010.

This is not the first time the Army has permeated further into the habitat of this endangered species. Last year in an effort to relocate 600 turtles, nearly half of them died due to dehydration and a higher population of coyotes.

The tortoise has adapted to the barren landscape of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts where it spends 95% of its lifetime underground and out of the heat. It has developed a system of catch basins for where they return for water when it rains although most of its water intake is pulled from grasses and wildflowers and stored in its bladder for future use.

The Desert Tortoise was put on California's Endangered Species act in 1989 and eventually reached the federal Endangered Species act in 1990. The species has been fighting to survive the illegal trading of pets, recreational offroad vehicles, and an increased raven population. Since 1980, the population has been reduced by 90%.

It is unlawful to touch or go near the Desert Tortoise. When spooked, the tortoise will empty out nearly a quart of water from its bladder which can be fatal.

The Desert Tortoise is one of nine endangered or protected species in the Mojave Desert including the Western Burrowing Owl, the Southern Rubber Boa, and the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat.

Learn more about the Desert Tortoise at DesertTortoise.gov.