Desert Tortoise Survey and Biological Reconnaissance of the Gold Butte Region of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Clark County, NV
Marlow RW. 1991. Desert Tortoise Survey and Biological Reconnaissance of the Gold Butte Region of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Clark County, NV. Clark County, NV
From March 1990 to April 1991 a survey for desert tortoises and a general biological reconnaissance for other endangered or threatened species or species of concern was conducted in the Gold Butte region of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area by Ron Marlow. Tortoise sign was found throughout the area but it was sparse suggesting low tortoise densities. Three living tortoises were observed. Two areas of exposed gypsum soils were found with California Bear Poppy populations and two sightings of the Peregrine Falcon (probably the same animal) were made. The entire area has been negatively by the grazing and trailing of cattle and feral burros. Soils and vegetation are generally consistent with those found in areas with moderate to high density tortoise populations. The seemingly low densities observed in this area may be a consequence of the impacts of cattle and burro competition and habitat degradation. Other unknown factors may have acted to limit or decrease tortoise populations in this area.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Marlow, Ronald
- Date of Issue
- 1991
- Units
- LAKE
- Keywords
- Absence (Biodiversity), Acacia greggii (catclaw acacia), Ambrosia dumosa (white bursage), Chilopsis linearis (desert willow), Colorado Plateau, Gold Butte Lake Mead National Recreation Area NV AZ, Gopherus agassizii (Desert Tortoise), Larrea tridentata (Creosote bush), Presence (Biodiversity), Riparian Zone, Tamarix (Tamarisk), Taxa Links To References, Yucca schidigera (Mojave yucca)