Decline of desert tortoise in Joshua Tree linked to long droughts (LA Times)

[petronius]

...

Now, dwindling populations of the reptiles with scruffy carapaces and skin as tough as rhino hide are facing an even greater threat: longer droughts spurred by climate change in their Sonoran Desert kingdom of arroyos and burrows, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey study.

Drought conditions are linked to declines in a population of desert tortoises in a square-mile study plot in Joshua Tree National Park, according to the study published in the online journal Biological Conservation.

...

“Although the animal’s name suggests that it is well adapted to desert conditions, it is not,” Lovich said. “Prior to 7,000 to 10,000 years ago, the region was cooler and wetter with lakes fringed with Joshua trees and junipers. That’s the landscape that dominated the evolutionary history of the so-called desert tortoise.”

...

“So, this animal has ‘accepted’ — not adapted to — desert conditions,” he said. “Our study shows that its survival can be seriously compromised after two to three years of drought.”

http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-tortoise-climate-change-20131213,0,5298051.story

That last part surprised me, I didn't realize that the desert really isn't their preferred habitat. Sad that they're declining; I've always wanted to see one out there...

[antiquie]

1. Very sad situation.

Just read the article. Thanks for posting. I was surprised, too. I had no idea they were in trouble.

[flamingdem]

2. Seems like something could be done for them?

I hope so