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Desert Tortoise Translocation Plan for the U.S. Department of the Army National Training Center and Fort Irwin Western Training Area

Scientific Investigations Report 2024-5092
Ecosystems Mission Area—Species Management Research Program
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Irwin, California
By: , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245092

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Abstract

The U.S. Department of the Army proposes to commence military activity at the Fort Irwin National Training Center within the Western Training Area (WTA) and to translocate Mojave Desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii; hereafter tortoise) that will be affected to the Western Training Area Translocation Site (WTATS). This desert tortoise translocation plan provides a timeline of activities, actions for which permits may be required, and guidelines for assessing the short-term and long-term success of this desert tortoise translocation. Importantly, the monitoring projects described are designed to document the ultimate effects of the Army's translocation action (not just inform future translocations elsewhere). Results from the translocation, corresponding monitoring, and research projects will inform future translocations throughout the Mojave Desert for expanding human development. The plan has three main objectives: (1) provide guidelines to achieve a safe, humane, and successful translocation of tortoises from the WTA, with minimal effect to resident desert tortoises at sites where translocated animals are released (recipient sites); (2) study translocated, resident, and reference animals (tortoises living near translocation areas but whose home ranges do not overlap those of translocated or resident tortoises) to learn as much as possible about the ecology, conservation, and management of the desert tortoise; and (3) define best management practices for successful translocation and provide metrics to evaluate success over multiple time scales, which we identify for the short- and long-term.

The procedures to plan, implement, monitor, and study translocation of tortoises were written using terms and conditions outlined in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Opinion 2021 that described effects of the expansion of the military base boundary, as well as recommendations provided in the Desert Tortoise Recovery Plan (and 5-year review). We provide guidance on appropriate translocation timing and procedures, as well as on how tortoise ecology and habitat can best be studied to further knowledge on tortoise translocation. The plan provides analysis for landscape tortoise density and abundance estimates, suitable sites for translocation of tortoises, and short- and long-term metrics that are addressed and measured by specific monitoring and research projects that can be used to assess the success of translocation activities.

Suggested Citation

Esque, T., Xiong, A., Doyle, S., Murphy, S., Wilhite, C., and Nussear, K., 2024, Desert Tortoise translocation plan for the U.S. Department of the Army National Training Center and Fort Irwin Western Training Area: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2024–5092, 94 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245092.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Project Area: Site Descriptions
  • Baseline Tortoise Investigations (2020–22)
  • Modeling Habitat Site Selection for Recipient and Reference Sites
  • Tortoise Density Estimates
  • Tortoise Clearance Protocols for the Western Training Area
  • Tortoise Disposition Plan and Translocation Package
  • Translocation of Tortoises from the Western Training Area
  • Post-Translocation Monitoring—Short and Long-Term Success Criteria
  • Reporting and Data Storage
  • Adaptive Management
  • Summary
  • References Cited
  • Glossary
  • Appendix 1. Timeline of Activities
  • Appendix 2. Table of Site Selection Model Scenarios and Inputs
  • Appendix 3. Photographs of Proposed Recipient and Reference for Translocation of Tortoises from the National Training Center Fort Irwin Western Training Area
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Desert Tortoise translocation plan for the U.S. Department of the Army National Training Center and Fort Irwin Western Training Area
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2024-5092
DOI 10.3133/sir20245092
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description Report: x, 94 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Fort Irwin Western Training Area
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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