ASO Grant for Monitoring Sonoran Desert Tortoise Populations in the Maricopa and Tortilla Mountains

a. Background:

The BLM conducts population and habitat monitoring of Sonoran desert tortoise at previously established, 1 square mile, long term monitoring plots in the Tortilla and Maricopa Mountains of south central Arizona to determine current population and habitat status and trend using established protocols. Methods consist of mark/recapture surveys. Individual desert tortoises will be located, mapped, marked, measured and evaluated for presence of disease indicators. Habitat parameters, including vegetative composition will be measured and the presence of potential tortoise and habitat stressors will be documented and assessed. Data will establish current population demographic composition, presence of disease, recruitment, habitat conditions and presence and magnitude of threats to the population and habitat. Data will be compared with previous years and summarized in a monitoring report.

b. Objectives:

Determine current population demographic composition, presence of disease, recruitment, habitat composition and condition, and presence and magnitude of threats to the population and habitat at 2 locations in the Sonoran Desert following established protocols. Compare current conditions with historical data to determine trends and disseminate information to Arizona Interagency Desert Tortoise Team members.