Tortoise crossing RMLT Trail
The Mojave Desert is home to the desert tortoise which is listed as a “Threatened ” species under the Edangered Species Act. An encounter with a desert tortoise in the wild is a rare treat.
If you see a desert tortoise while in the desert:
- View it from a distance
- Do not pick it up. Tortoise bladders are like cateens; they store water, they reabsorb it directly from the bladder when fresh water is not available. When frightened, they frequently urinate as a defense mechanism. Loss of this water supply can be fatal.
If you see a desert tortoise wandering in a developed area or find an injured tortoise, please call the tortoise hotline at 702-383-TORT(8678).
Mojave Max suggests the follow guidelines to help protect the desert tortoise:
- Stay on established roads & trails.
- Don’t litter. If you pack it in, pack it out.
- Leave soil, rocks, plants and animals alone.
- Respect, protect, and enjoy our desert!
