Distribution, habitat use, and protection of the desert tortoise in the eastern Mojave Desert
Bury RB, Esque TC, Defalco LA, Medica PA. 1994. Distribution, habitat use, and protection of the desert tortoise in the eastern Mojave Desert. Pages 57-72. In Bury RB and Germano DJ (ed). Biology of North American Tortoises. National Biological Survey. Washington, D.C.. Fish and Wildlife Research 13
The range of the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is widespread across the eastern Mojave Desert. It occupies many habitats from flats and bajadas (hillsides) dominated by creosote bush at lower elevations (below 1,200m) to rocky slopes that border on blackbrush and juniper woodland at higher elevation (as high as 1,600m). Desert tortoises have unique local adaptations, small and peripheral populations of tortoises merit special protection.
- Type
- Book Chapter
- Authors
- Bury, R.; Esque, Todd; Defalco, Lesley; Medica, Philip
- Units
- DEVA , LAKE , MOJA , PARA
- Keywords
- Arizona, California, Distribution, Distributional patterns, Eastern Mojave Desert, Gopherus agassizii (Desert Tortoise), Habitat Use, isolated populations, Management, Nevada, Reptilia (Reptiles), seasonal behavior, Testudines, Testudinidae (Tortoises), Utah