Can you keep a captive desert tortoise as a pet?
In Arizona, California, and Nevada, legally obtained captive desert tortoises and their progeny may be kept as pets, provided that the custodian complies with the respective State’s Wildlife Board or Commission and Department/Division rules regarding desert tortoises (Berry and Duck. 2000).
Are there desert tortoises in the Mojave Desert?
During the 1920’s, there were 1000 California desert tortoises per square mile in the Mojave Desert. Within only 70 years, in 1990, the desert tortoise was listed as a threatened species through the US Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species Act.
Why is there a tortoise adoption program in Arizona?
The Tortoise Adoption Program administered by the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum was established to aid the welfare of tortoises already in captivity and insure the preservation of wild tortoises. The program is therefore dedicated to the well-being and survival of the desert tortoise throughout its range.
How did the desert tortoise become an endangered species?
Within only 70 years, in 1990, the desert tortoise was listed as a threatened species through the US Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species Act. The tortoises’ decline began primarily with loss of habitat from cattle grazing on the delicate desert grasses that are the base of the tortoise diet, and then human encroachment on desert land.
Is it legal to keep a desert tortoise as a pet?
While captive maintenance of pet desert tortoises is legal, there are laws and guidelines for keeping them in captivity. In most areas, it is illegal to collect wild desert tortoises for pets. As well, it is illegal in most areas to release captive desert tortoises into the wild.
Can a captive tortoise survive in the wild?
Even though desert tortoise populations have declined in the wilds of the harsh desert, captive captive tortoises have been able to thrive with regular food and water. Their longevity and uncontrolled breeding of captive tortoises has resulted in thousands of unwanted pets.
Can a desert tortoise be released back into the wild?
According to the California Department of Fish and Game guidelines, it is unlawful to release a tortoise back into the wild after any length in captivity. This regulation is to prevent the spread of the disease. And that is why Desert Tortoise Rescue is in operation.
What’s the best way to rescue a desert tortoise?
Walk over to the tortoise, letting it see you approaching. Lift it slowly and gently, keeping it level and low to the ground. Move it to a safe place off the road, no more than 100 yards away, in the same direction it was traveling.
