About the DTC - Desert Tortoise Council

About the Desert Tortoise Council

Mission of the DTC

The mission of the Desert Tortoise Council is to assure the perpetual survival of viable populations of desert tortoises throughout their historical ranges. We focus our efforts on the tortoise species complex that occurs in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, currently recognized as Gopherus agassizii, Gopherus morafkai, and Gopherus evgoodei.

Objectives of the DTC

The Desert Tortoise Council is organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit with the following objectives:

To serve in a professional advisory manner on matters involving management, conservation, and protection of desert tortoises and their habitats;
To support and advocate measures that contribute to ensuring the continued survival of desert tortoises and the maintenance of their habitats in a natural condition;
To stimulate and encourage studies on the ecology, biology, management, and protection of desert tortoises and their habitats;
To gather and disseminate information on desert tortoises and their habitats, and to advocate science-based management and conservation;
To maintain active public information and conservation education programs;
To support conservation actions for the protection of other tortoises, turtles, and ecosystems, as appropriate; and
To commend outstanding action and dedication by individuals and organizations promoting the mission and objectives of the Desert Tortoise Council.

Introductory Course

Introduction to Desert Tortoises and Field Techniques is a two-day basic course that includes important information on ecology, habitat preferences, life history, health, physiology, and threats; applicable state and federal laws and required permits; and two field sessions on surveys and identification of tortoises and tortoise sign.

The 2019 Introduction to Desert Tortoises and Field Techniques course will take place November 2-3 at the Kerr-Magee Center in Ridgecrest, California. Registration should begin in July.

Find Out More

About the Desert Tortoise Council

Mission of the DTC

Objectives of the DTC

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Introductory Course

2019 Call for Papers

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