DESERT TORTOISE

MCAGCC Base Expansion and Desert Tortoise Translocation

San Bernardino County, CA

Translocated over 1,200 desert tortoises as part of a larger team of consultants. Translocation methods included transport by hand, vehicle, or helicopter as approved by USFW protocols identified in the Biological Opinion.

Assisted authorized biologists in conducting health assessments on desert tortoises found on and around MCAGCC training grounds. Health assessments included taking subcarapacial blood samples, visual assessment of symptoms of URTD, oral cavity examinations, re-hydration via nares, affixed/remove transmitters and morphometric measurements (weight, MCL…)

Supervised desert tortoise (DT) staff of 5-9 people while conducting clearance surveys.

Attached and removed radio transmitters on all adult and sub adult desert tortoises encountered. Juveniles too small to receive a transmitter were captured and transported to a head start facility until the large scale translocation.

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