Rare Tortoise Traditional Cache

The High Desert is home of the Desert Tortoise. The Desert Tortoise has seen a dramatic reduction in numbers over the last few decades. Habitat destruction, climate change, and human activities such as urban development, off-road vehicle use, and military training exercises have severely fragmented its natural environment. As a result, the tortoise's survival has become increasingly difficult, prompting legal protections to help reverse these trends.

The conservation history of desert tortoises includes the following events:

• 1961: California made it illegal to collect desert tortoises 

• 1980: The Beaver Dam Slope population in Utah became the first Desert Tortoise population to receive federal protection 

• 1989: The Mojave population was listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and threatened in California 

• 1990: The USFWS listed the Mojave population as threatened 

• 1994: The Nature Conservancy (TNC) acquired Walking Box Ranch in Nevada to protect Desert Tortoises 

• 2008: A petition was filed to list the Sonoran Desert tortoise under the U.S. Endangered Species Act 

• 2009: The USFWS considered listing the Sonoran Desert population as a distinct population with critical habitat 

In the High Desert, there exist is a non-profit organization to home rescued the declining Desert Tortoise. 

California Turtle & Tortoise Club High Desert Chapter

In the recent years you don't see them as much. It is a rare event if you do cross paths with one. Consider it nature's privilage! But there is one of the biggest Tortiose found here at this location.