How did the region’s wet winter affect the turtles of southern Utah?
After a wet winter, spring flowers and other plants sprout profusely — a double-edged sword for the endangered Mojave desert tortoise, because the same lush vegetation they enjoy could be a threat in hot, dry southern Utah.
(Mark Eddington | The Salt Lake Tribune) Mojave desert tortoises, like this one photographed in April, are finding new homes across Utah.
After a wet winter, spring flowers and other plants sprout profusely — a double-edged sword for the endangered Mojave desert tortoise, because the same lush vegetation they enjoy could be a threat in hot, dry southern Utah.
Increased humidity will benefit the species by allowing for greater foraging diversity during its active spring season, said Ann McLuckie, a wildlife biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Turtles are more likely to be on the move when eating.
Additionally, this year’s juveniles have a better chance of surviving because “if they break out of their eggshell and come to the surface, there’s extra food for them,” McLuckie said.
More rainfall can also increase growth rates, making these young reptiles more likely to reach adulthood, she added.
Read more at StGeorgeUtah.com.
This article is published by the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of Utah news organizations whose goal is to educate readers across the state.
