• Desert Tortoise Council Training Programs

Introductory Training

In October-November 2025 we intend to offer a full introductory course including two half days of online lectures, a brief online quiz, and one full day of fieldwork in Ridgecrest, CA. Details will follow early in 2025.

Advanced Biologist Training

This course will not be offered in 2024.
The Desert Tortoise Council is developing specialized criteria for advanced training courses for desert tortoise biologists. These trainings may include: tortoise handling techniques, basic health assessments, telemetry, construction monitoring, and other trainings in association with agency permitting. Details will appear here when they become available.

Health Assessment Training

This course will not be offered in 2024.
Health Assessment Procedures for Translocations of the Mojave Desert Tortoise is a four-day advanced course only open to those with extensive tortoise handling experience.