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28th Annual Meeting and Symposium of the
Desert Tortoise Council, February 21-23, 2003
Abstracts
Desert Tortoise Mortality Surveys on Seri Lands Sonora, Mexico
Mercy L.Vaughn1, Felipe Rodriguez Garcia2, Gary P. Nabhan1,
Patricia West1
1Center for Sustainable Environments, P.O. Box 5765, Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
2Bienes Comunales Isla Del Tiburón, Gobierno Tradicional COMCA'AC Bahia de
Kino, Sonora, Mexico
The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is culturally significant to the Seri Indians of Sonora, Mexico. In response to reports by the Seri Indians of high desert tortoise mortality on Tiburón Island, Gulf of California, a tortoise mortality survey was conducted at one island site in October, 2001 and two mainland sites in October, 2002 within the Seri territory. As part of an ongoing educational program conducted by the Center for Sustainable Environments, Northern Arizona University, a team of Seri field researchers were trained on tortoise survey and handling techniques. High and recent mortality was observed at all sites indicating that the tortoise die-off is occurring beyond U.S. populations. These findings raise questions about the status of the southern populations of the species. Assessing the extent of the die-off and the health of these populations will allow for better informed management decisions throughout the desert tortoise's range.