Study of Gopherus agassizii shows translocated tortoises having possible mating issues
Genetic testing of hatchling desert tortoises in California has shown that none of them are offspring of the 570 tortoises that were translocated to the area four years ago. While scientists aren’t sure why the introduced adult males aren’t breeding, this information can be used to look further into the issue of translocation as a whole.
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Did You Know…
Translocation is the act of introducing a species to an area, reintroducing a species to an area where it used to live, or adding more of a species to an area in order to boost the current population. While adult turtle and tortoise species often have issues being relocated, eggs, hatchlings, and juveniles tend to do better. For instance, when relocated, adult box turtles will usually attempt to return to their original location regardless of the dangers involved, but juvenile box turtles that are part of head start programs often remain in environments where they are released.
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Photo from Walde Research & Environmental Consulting.
