|
 Bringing
a live desert tortoise to a public facility was a very
challenging project. Clark County overcame several
challenges including a limited budget, misperceptions
about desert tortoises in captivity, and proper care and
protection of native species.
The
Clark County Desert Conservation Program provides
public information and education to the public about the
desert tortoise and native species of the Mojave Desert.
One of the best ways for people to truly understand the
native environment is through real-life experiences.
The
live desert tortoise, Cactus Cate, was adopted by Clark
County on July 12 and
placed into her newly created habitat at the Government Center.
One
year later, Cactus Cate is thriving in her habitat.
Many spectators have found that she is not only great to
watch, but teaches them many things about wildlife of
the Mojave Desert. The information learned
includes the length of time reptiles spend underground,
how much and what they eat, and the fact that they can
actually move rather quickly.
Not
only is Cate doing well, native visitors such as a
burrowing owl, antelope squirrels and roadrunners have
visited the habitat. They are of no threat to Cate,
but the native habitat can provide food and shelter to
them as well.
Cactus
Cate quickly became acclimated to her new environment.
She went into brumation (reptilian form of hibernation)
in October, and emerged on February 16, 2007 at 3:20
p.m.
One
admirer submitted the following:
I’ve
Fallen for a Tortoise
by Brenda Williams, DAQEM
Her
name is Cactus Cate, and she was the cutest little
tortoise I’d ever seen. I must admit I never
gave much thought to tortoises before, most folks
don’t, but Cate became an important part of my life. I
literally felt protective of her.
My
interest for Cate was first peaked when I began hearing
my fellow employees talking about a tortoise as I walked
along the winding hallway to the Government Center
cafeteria. I noticed that people stopped to peer
through the window along the corridor that looked out on
the small patch of desert that was the habitat for the
tortoise, Cactus Cate. It was early March
and almost everyday someone expressed anticipation about
her “coming out.”
I
got interested and I too wanted to see her.
“Where
was she and when would she arrive?” I asked myself.
I
found myself looking out the window everyday, searching
the habitat area that had been prepared as her desert
home. It was tastefully landscaped with some
boulders and plants that she could munch on for a snack.
In the middle of the habitat, a mound of dirt was
hollowed out to provide a cozy burrow.
“What
a great place for Cate to get out of the sun and
rest,” I thought.
And
rest she does, it seems that desert tortoises spend
about 98 percent of their time sleeping. It was too dark
for me to see to the end of her burrow, but I knew she
was in there, just waiting for the right time to make
her appearance.
If
you really want a pet tortoise, those already in
captivity can be obtained free by contacting an
organization called Tortoise Group, The Organization for
the Protection of Nevada’s Resident Tortoises, Inc. at
702-739-7113 or by email at tortoisegroup@att.net.
So
do yourself a favor and drop by the Government Center
Tortoise Habitat to see Cactus Cate or take a trek to
Red Rock Canyon to see Mojave Max, who, by the way,
emerged in April. They are a part of our history
and a fascinating species of desert wildlife that must
be preserved for many future generations to enjoy.
It
finally happened, Cate came out of her burrow the second
week of March and I thought she was so personable, so
ready to explore and she really was cute - as tortoises
go. The news spread through the Government Center.
More employees began standing by the window and even
going outside to say hello to Cate after her long sleep.
Sensing she was the center of attention, she walked
about extending her head toward her visitors, as if to
say thanks for coming to greet me. Some of
the employees even brought their children to the habitat
to visit. So it seems I’m not the only one who
has fallen for a tortoise.
The
public is encouraged to visit the desert tortoise
habitat at the Clark County Government Center, in the
amphitheater area any time during business hours.
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding Holidays.
A kiosk will welcome you to the habitat area where you
can learn more about desert tortoises and local wildlife.
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