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 A
new resident has found familiar surroundings at the
Clark County Government Center. A burrowing owl
has been seen around the Government Center recently, and
apparently enjoys sharing the habitat of a desert
tortoise.
The
desert tortoise is Cactus Cate. This
twenty-something year old female moved to the Government
Center in July of 2006. This move, and legal
tortoise adoption, took place shortly after the
construction of a native habitat was completed.
This habitat is complete with a burrow, edible plants
(for desert animals), sandy soil, and large rock
formations. Not only have Cactus Cate and a
burrowing owl been seen in the habitat, a roadrunner,
and antelope squirrels have been noticed using the area.
The
purpose of this habitat was to provide an area with
native landscape and wildlife for County employees and
visitors. Many scientists believe that observing
nature, and animals has positive effects on people’s
moods, performance, and health. From the response
of people visiting this area over the past few months,
the philosophy appears to be very true. Some
people visit the area every chance they get to see what
wildlife may be out that day. Others enjoy chanting
about the animals, even making jokes, about whether or
not the owl will try to push Cactus Cate out of her
home.
The
public can rest assured that Cactus Cate is in her
burrow, and is now in her deep state of winter’s sleep
called brumation. The animals that are visiting and
residing in the area pose no threat to Cactus Cate.
In the wild, many animals including reptiles and snakes
often share tortoise burrows without harming tortoises.
Desert tortoises have very strong legs, and they are the
greatest burrow diggers of the Mojave Desert. They
may dig dozens of burrows in a year, so naturally other
animals will want to use the burrows that already exist
rather than waste energy on creating their own.
 Having
more native wildlife in a developed area within Clark
County is positive for the species. Areas within
urbanized cities that provide safe havens for native
wildlife assist with preserving these species. The
ability of native species to thrive without any human
impacts is preferred by the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service; however, the existence of areas where
humans and species can live together harmoniously is
also beneficial to wildlife.
The
public may visit Cactus Cate, and her friends any time
during business hours at the Clark County Government
Center. The habitat area is between the
amphitheatre and the cafeteria.
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