Well so much for the "endangered desert tortoise"
http://thementalmilitia.com/forums/index.php?topic=34100.0
"Desert Tortoise Conservation Center's plan to euthanize hundreds of the tortoises in Nevada by 2014."
You're link goes back to this thread.
http://www.dailypaul.com/316447/desert-tortoise-conservation-centers-plan-to-euthanize-hundreds-of-the-tortoises-in-nevada-by-2014---
According to an article dated 8/25/13, in the Las Vegas Huffington Post, because of a lack of Federal funding the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center can no longer care for the turtles that they've been caring for since the animals were added to the endangered species list in 1990 and, as a result, "...Officials expect to euthanize more than half the animals in the coming months in preparation for closure at the end of 2014." "...the pampered desert dweller now faces a threat from the very people who have nurtured it."
Federal funds are running out at the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center and officials plan to close the site and euthanize hundreds of the tortoises that they've been caring for since the animals were added to the endangered species list in 1990, according to the article.
---
Now, I was thinking, that would be kind of cool to have one roaming around in the enclosed back yard - apparently they do have an adoption program - don't know why it's not mentioned. I'm going to call the 'Tortoise Adoption Program' here in AZ on Monday if it still exists.
Unfortunately, I suspect prior to adoption BLM, Game & Fish, local Sheriff's dept., local PD, DEQ (Dept. of Environmental Equality) and 10 other agencies will want unrestricted access to my backyard at any time of day. Additionally, I probably have to sign it up for ObamaTurtleCare.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_tortoise---
Desert tortoise populations in some areas have declined by as much as 90% since the 1980s, and the Mojave population is listed as threatened. It is unlawful to touch, harm, harass or collect wild desert tortoises. It is, however, possible to adopt captive tortoises through the Tortoise Adoption Program (TAP) in Arizona, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Desert Tortoise Adoption Program in Utah, Joshua Tree Tortoise Rescue Project in California, or through Bureau of Land Management in Nevada. When adopted in Nevada, they will have a computer chip embedded on their back for reference. According to Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rule R12-4-407 A.1, they may be possessed if the tortoises are obtained from a captive source which is properly documented. Commission Order 43: Reptile Notes 3: one tortoise per family member.
[...]
Ravens, gila monsters, kit foxes, badgers, roadrunners, coyotes, and fire ants are all natural predators of the desert tortoise. They prey on eggs, juveniles, which are 2–3 inches long with a thin, delicate shell, or in some cases adults.
---
Edit: Forgot about this new-fangled thing called the internet.
https://www.desertmuseum.org/programs/tap.phpSome req's:
---# Review the yard checklist in appendix I (Tortoise Care & Husbandry link). These are the minimum requirements for your yard to pass inspection.
# Build a pen or make sure your yard is secured with no possibility for escape. Check that your fence is underground at least 5 inches and that there is no route to escape around a gate, drainage hole, etc. A self-locking gate is desirable to prevent escape.
# Provide food for the tortoise in the form of grass or native plants. Irrigation will be necessary, especially for the grass. A roll of sod is often adequate to feed a tortoise, so it is not necessary to have a large grassy area.
---
Author
Topic: Oath Keepers call to arms- Nevada (Read 44787 times)