Decoded genome may help tortoise win race to survive
Arizona State University’s School of Life Sciences recently decoded the desert tortoise’s (Gopherus agassizii) genome, allowing for more specific methods of protection to be developed. Due to issues of habitat loss, invasive plants and animals, and illnesses, this knowledge can go a long way.
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Did You Know…
A major health issue facing the desert tortoises and others is upper respiratory disease (URD), which is caused by bacteria. It transfers easily from one carrier to another and can have devastating results for tortoise populations. Tortoises that overcome their infection can still be carriers. Finding more effective ways to treat or even prevent this epidemic would greatly benefit conservation efforts.
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Photo from Sandra Leander/ASU.