Not long ago I was talking to a wildlife biologist about the endangered desert tortoise, what an amazing species. As an expert she explained all the idiosyncrasies of this “baby dinosaur” as she calls it, about its burrows, choice of food, ability to blend in, along with its predators like the desert fox, roadrunners and black crows that eat turtle eggs. when they can find them. Unfortunately, among predators, we can also add humanity, you see off-road vehicles and people who are not paying attention often run over them, accidentally of course.
She explained that there was a special sanctuary to help these creatures who had survived accidents involving ATVs, sand rails, and even utility work trucks working in the desert on high-tension power lines. Of course, desert tortoises often hit the road too, which is a sure way to become roadkill. It’s amazing how long these creatures live and therefore can make good pets, whereas a dog or cat doesn’t live that long, so you still have to deal with their disappearance and go find another one to comfort you.
Still, make no mistake, these are independent creatures, they’re reptilian, and they can see that ancient DNA as they move. Now, you’re not allowed to order a desert tortoise from the wild to make a pet, but if you live in the desert, they may make their home on your property because there’s water, vegetation to eat, and shade. You could also make them at home if you’re looking for a pet, but before you do, there are things you need to know first. Let me recommend a very good book for you to read;
“Caring for Turtles: A Vet’s Guide to Caring for Your Turtle: Keep Your Turtle Living 50+ Years” by Donald Wilson, Binders Publishing House, 2012, 23 pages, (Digital Version) ASIN: B007Z3SQCE.
Although this is a short book, it is quite good, well written, and contains all the facts you need to know to make your desert tortoise feel at home, while keeping them healthy and happy, and understanding their safety concerns and security issues. food supply. Despite what you may think, carbon-based bipeds (humans) and turtles date back a very long time, and there are even ancient writings about these magnificent creatures.
Lucky for you many are still writing about them today. This great book, for example, that will help reunite our species with theirs, because we go back a long time. In fact, I hope you will please consider all of this and think about it.