Desert Conservation Program

Current Projects

Current Habitat Conservation Plan

Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan

Project Summaries

Conservation Actions outlined in the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) The Desert Conservation Program (DCP) implements actions to ensure survivability of species in the wild. Recommendations and plans for these conservation actions are outlined in the MSHCP. Some of the actions that Clark County is taking to protect the many native species of fish, birds, bats, butterflies, and plants include: rehabilitation, clean-up and protection of wildlife habitat, fencing along roadways to reduce animal mortality, research of species and habitats to help decide future conservation actions, reminding the public that their help in the conservation effort is important.

Research, Monitoring, and Habitat Restoration Understanding species behavior is critical to planning future conservation actions. Therefore, the DCP funds programs to research the lifecycles, feeding, reproduction, habitat needs, and activities of native species. In conjunction with research, the DCP participates in programs that monitor the quantity and density of species in the wild. The DCP also funds certain habitat restoration projects that are beneficial to species. Some of these include trail maintenance, native plant restoration, invasive weed removal, and native seed collection.

Fencing The DCP funds and supports the installation of tortoise-proof barriers along roadways in Clark County. This fencing material is generally attached to existing fencing, but new tortoise-proof fencing has also been installed. This 1 by 2 mesh fencing keeps most desert tortoises from trying to cross heavily traveled roads where they have a high probability of being killed by motor vehicles. This fencing also helps protect other small desert animals from dangerous traffic.

Desert Tortoise Translocation - The DCP implemented a desert tortoise translocation program in 1997. Through this program, tortoises that have been found wandering in developed areas, and those that have been displaced by development are ultimately moved to the Large Scale Translocation Site near Jean, Nevada. Preliminary data suggests that tortoises translocated to the site have adapted well to their new desert homes by exhibiting appropriate burrowing, hibernating, eating and socializing habits.

Adaptive Management The DCP has used adaptive management in conservation planning since 1999. Adaptive Management is a process that uses current information, specifically the tools of science to plan future conservation actions. It helps answer questions that are relevant to land and resource managers. Since landscapes, habitats, and species are continually experiencing significant changes, properly administering conservation must include a management component that is also able to change with current circumstances. It also means using what has been learned when planning for the future. Rather than use a static conservation plan and commit to the same actions for several years, adaptive management uses new information to help direct future actions.

Public Information and Education Public information and education efforts of the DCP focus on three themes: 1. informing people of the terms of the Clark County permit, 2. encouraging people to respect, protect, and enjoy the desert, and 3. increasing public understanding of the value of Clark Countys natural ecosystems. Some of these efforts include developing and distributing brochures, developing videos and educational materials, and the Mojave Max Education Program.

Mojave Max, A Local Icon - Mojave Max is a live tortoise residing at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. His emergence every year indicates the beginning of spring-like weather in Southern Nevada. Every spring, Mojave Desert reptiles, including the desert tortoises, respond to warmer weather and more daylight hours by emerging from their winters sleep. Mojave Max has become a popular Southern Nevada icon. The DCP hosts an annual Mojave Max Emergence Contest. Students in Clark County are encouraged to research Mojave Desert weather, temperatures, and conditions to scientifically estimate when they believe Mojave Max will first emerge from his burrow each year. Students can then log onto the official website, review the contest rules, and electronically enter their official guess. The winning student and his/her class receive prizes and recognition. The contest began in 2000. Participation, awareness, and excitement for Mojave Maxs emergence is expanding every year. More information is available at www.mojavemax.com.