Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee

Yesterday’s festivities reminded us to share a story about a🚀"rocket’s red glare,” a baby tortoise, and a happy ending at the Desert Tortoise Research Natural Area (DTRNA). You can read the summer edition of our newsletter here:https://tortoise-tracks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Tortoise-Tracks-SUMMER-2026.pdf

Summer Solstice at the DTRNA.
Rose and White Buckwheat, Mojave Cottontorn, Wooly Blue Star, and Paperbag Bush are still blooming. There is so much life to see; you just have to slow down and look a bit closer.

In 2025 the Desert Tortoise was uplisted to endangered.
Within the Mojave Desert’s fragile ecosystem, tortoise populations are rapidly diminishing; in some places they have disappeared. Losses are due to vandalism, to raven predation, disease, collections for pets (now illegal), and habitat degradation. Habitat has been lost or damaged from mining, livestock grazing, development of desert lands for agriculture, sub-divisions, high-ways, industrial uses and off-road vehicle use.
The DTPC is dedicated to the recovery and conservation of the Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) and other rare and endangered species inhabiting the Mojave. To learn more about our work and the DTRNA visit: tortoise-tracks.org