The Desert Tortoise Defender

Learn more about Desert Tortoise conservation work being done by our friends at HardShell Labs in this article from Alta Online:

https://www.altaonline.com/dispatches/a42052377/the-desert-tortoise-defender/

This article was written by Anisse Gross, a writer and editor based in San Francisco.

They sat down with Tim Shields to discuss the imperiled state of the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), and how we got here. We learn about Tim’s history with tortoises and observing their decline as a field biologist.

Instead of tracking the decline of this charismatic species, Tim and other conservationists have focused on reducing threats to the species in any way they can. This includes reducing food subsidies for Ravens, a species that predates on vulnerable baby tortoises. It also involves high tech solutions like:

• 3D printed “techno-torts” that expel an irritant to condition these intelligent birds

• Lasers that scare Ravens away and create “no-fly zones” to protect tortoise populations in the area.

• Drones that can oil eggs in transmission towers to prevent ravens from proliferating in regions with sensitive tortoise populations.

This interview presented a dire and serious threat to a keystone species of our desert but it also left us with hope that good people are not giving up. Folks are continuing to come up with new solutions to help a species that has survived for millions of years and epitomizes endurance and perseverance.