California City Loves Desert Tortoise

Consider yourself lucky if you have seen the elusive Desert Tortoise who spends up to 95 percent of its long life underground. Most desert visitors will not see a tortoise, but if you plan your trip for early spring, and you are patient, you may see one of these popular residents of the Mojave Desert. ‪

To see the desert tortoise, Desert Tortoise Research Natural Area (DTRNA) is 39.5 square miles of prime natural habitat set aside for the desert tortoise, the official California State Reptile. In 1980, the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of Interior, recognized the significance of the DTRNA by designating it an Area of Critical Environmental Concern” and as a Research Natural Area”.

The Desert Tortoise Research Natural Area in the northwestern Mojave Desert on the western edge of the Rand Mountains in eastern Kern County. It is northeast of California City -- a two-hour drive north from Los Angeles or east from Bakersfield. The Interpretive Center, with parking lot, information kiosk, restroom, and access to self-guiding trails is located about 4 miles northeast of California City just off the unpaved Randsburg Mojave road. visit tortoise-tracks.org for information about visiting and how you can help protect the desert tortoise.

Under a full head of steam, the desert tortoise (gopherus agassizi) moves at a stolid pace of about 20 feet per minute. This patient vegetarian has existed on Earth almost unchanged for millions of years. It is found in the southwestern desert areas of California where it now enjoys protected status as an endangered species. The desert tortoise played a key role in the passage of the California Desert Protection Act in 1994. To protect the fragile desert habitat of the tortoise and other plants and animals, millions of acres were added to the national park and wilderness system. Supporters reportedly brought a desert tortoise to the White House for the bill signing. The tortoise has been the official State Reptile since 1972.

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