Determining the distribution, status, and linkages of Agassiz's desert tortoise populations in the uplands surrounding the Coachella Valley
Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, Bureau of Land Management, UCR Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center, Joshua Tree National Park, University of California Riverside, California State University at Fullerton, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Abstract
In support of the goals of the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission and the Bureau of Land Management, we performed surveys to determine the status, distribution, demographics, and possible genetic linkages of Agassiz’s desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) populations within the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) area during a multi-decadal megadrought. Federal, state, and numerous parcels of privately owned conservation lands in the uplands around the periphery of the Coachella Valley were surveyed. Desert tortoise distribution data collected will be used to develop a species habitat model. These data will be overlaid with location data of flammable invasive plant species to inform fuels management and invasive plant control efforts in sensitive species habitat, as well as continue to identify high quality habitat and important desert tortoise linkage areas around the Coachella Valley. We also surveyed two established G. agassizii study plots – one at the Mesa Wind Energy Facility near Palm Springs, California and one at the Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center. At those locations, we used resurveys and radio telemetry to assess habitat use, demography, and population status. We also used camera trapping at Deep Canyon to observe tortoise activities and behaviors in an unusual low elevation tortoise habitat.
Suggested Citation
Puffer, M.R., Lovich, J.E., Cummings, K.L., 2024, Determining the distribution, status, and linkages of Agassiz's desert tortoise populations in the uplands surrounding the Coachella Valley, 77 p.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Other Government Series |
| Title | Determining the distribution, status, and linkages of Agassiz's desert tortoise populations in the uplands surrounding the Coachella Valley |
| Year Published | 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Coachella Valley Conservation Commission |
| Contributing office(s) | Southwest Biological Science Center |
| Description | 77 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Report |
| Larger Work Subtype | Other Government Series |
| Larger Work Title | 2023 CVCC Annual Report |
| First page | 177 |
| Last page | 253 |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Other Geospatial | Coachella Valley |