MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif. -- Summer is just around the corner and that means more activity from wildlife in the area surrounding MCLB Barstow, specifically the Desert Tortoise.
The Desert Tortoise is the official state reptile of California and is protected by law, making it the only known resident species on MCLB Barstow that is protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act as well as state law. It is the largest plant-eating reptile in the southwestern United States.
"The fact that it is Federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, makes the animal important in itself," said Charles Sullivan, Bureau of Land Management worker.
Although the tortoise is active all year, much of the activity takes place between the months of March and June with a lesser extent of activity in late summer. Most of this time is spent waiting for extreme temperatures to subside in underground burrows.
The tortoise can survive in areas where ground temperatures exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is mainly because of the fact that they can burrow underground to escape the heat. In fact, tortoises spend up to 95 percent of their lives in these burrows. The burrows also help protect the animal from freezing while dormant from November through February or March.
A terrestrial herbivore, the tortoise prefers to eat annual forbs and grasses. Green vegetation, such as shrubs and cacti as well as their flowers are preferred, since the tortoise can use the green vegetation to meet its water needs as well as for nutrition.
If water is available, the tortoise will drink it, although it can survive many years without drinking.
Catchment basins are dug by Desert Tortoises in the soil to maximize the utilization of infrequent rainfall. The tortoise remembers where these basins are and will return to them when rain appears imminent.
The Desert Tortoise has existed for millions of years but recently there has been a rapid decline in the species population. Such decline has placed the tortoise on the threatened species list.
Several factors contribute to the loss in numbers, to include the loss of their natural habitat through urban development, flu like disease that is often fatal, being preyed upon by natural predators such as ravens and loss of forage plants as a result of competition from livestock and pet collecting.
Hisses, pops and "poink" sounds are made a fear or distress calls by the Desert Tortoise. Listening for these warning signs could prevent injury to the animal.
The only undisturbed natural habitat the tortoises have is located on MCLB Barstow's rifle range. It is because of this fact that approximately 540 acres on the southern edge of the range is designated critical habitat. The remaining area of the range is considered tortoise habitat.
Between 250 and 300 Desert Tortoises inhabit MCLB Barstow lands. It is because of this the base has established guidelines for activities conducted here which may affect the tortoise.
Any attempt or activity that is designed to harm, harass, pursue, hunt, shoot, kill, trap, capture or collect the Desert Tortoise is illegal. Such illegal activities can bring up to six months in jail for each violation and civil penalties of up to $50,000.
A number of measures to protect the tortoise have also been implemented by the base. Sites where workers are investigating and cleaning up hazardous materials under the Installation Restoration Program or any construction or maintenance project must follow specific rules to prevent disturbing the Desert Tortoise. Such rules include: inspecting work areas for the presence of tortoises, checking under vehicles which provide shade for the tortoise and strictly maintaining speed limits and keeping vehicles on normal roadways to avoid running over burrows and food for the tortoises.
Desert Tortoises have some characteristics, which can help identify them. The tortoise has a brown shell measuring anywhere from eight to 15 inches long. They also have flattened front limbs adapted for burrowing.
Other precautions can be taken to avoid hurting the animal.
·Avoid touching the animal at all costs. When the Desert Tortoise is lifted, they often void the contents of their bladder. This loss of water in the desert could gravely affect the survival of the animal.
·Do not litter. This attracts coyotes and ravens, which prey upon young tortoises.
·Pet tortoises should not be released into the desert. They will compete with the Desert Tortoise for food.
·Stay on the road unless in a designated off-road area.
·Finally, Desert Tortoises should never be removed from the desert.
If a desert tortoise is spotted, there are some things that are allowed.
·Observe the tortoise in its natural habitat along with taking pictures.
·Watch for Desert Tortoises crossing the road.
"It is important to follow these guidelines to prevent the possibility of inadvertently spreading disease to the animals, which will then spread the disease among themselves," said Sullivan.