Desert Tortoise Council: Introduction to Desert Tortoises & Field Techniques

Desert Tortoise Council: Introduction to Desert Tortoises & Field Techniques

November 3-4, 2018
Ridgecrest, CA

Registration for the Introductory Tortoise Course is now OPEN with early rates until September 23.
Email Maggie Fusari at [email protected] with questions.

Introduction to Desert Tortoises and Field TechniquesIntroduction to Desert Tortoises and Field Techniques is a two-day basic course that includes important information on ecology, habitat preferences, life history, health, physiology, and threats; applicable state and federal laws and required permits; and two field sessions on surveys and identification of tortoises and tortoise sign. This comprehensive introduction to Agassiz’s or the Mojave Desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii, is designed for wildlife biologists, zoologists, natural resource specialists, wildlife managers, land managers, recreation specialists, persons dealing with the public, teachers, and the general public.

This course is recommended for entry-level tortoise field biologists looking to prepare themselves for the job of locating tortoises and sign in the field, and for seeking authorizations to do tortoise fieldwork. The course does not guarantee any authorization but is recognized by state and federal agencies as providing important information and skills training.

The course includes:

• Hands-on exercises in monitoring and surveying techniques for desert tortoises
• Authorized demonstrations of egg handling and burrow construction
• Overview of the desert tortoise and threats to its survival

To receive a letter affirming your completion of this course you must attend the entire course including the field portion, turn in a completed field survey form, and take the on-line test that will be available after November 12 and due on or about December 16. The open book test will take at least an hour, perhaps more and may cover concepts covered in lecture, in the field, and from selected readings.

After you attend the course you will receive a one-year free membership in the Desert Tortoise Council unless you decline.

The Early Registration fee is $285.00 ($185.00 for registered students) through September 23. You must register and pay by this date to receive the early registration fee. If you pay after September 23 the fee is $345.00 ($245.00 for registered students) (Exceptions for government offices with budget restriction and who will be given permission to hold payment until budgets clear).

For more information and to register: http://deserttortoise.org/workshops/course_intro_home.html