Short-Term Space-Use Patterns of Translocated Mojave Desert Tortoise in Southern California

摘要: Increasingly, renewable energy comprises a larger share of global production. Across the western United States, public lands are being developed to support Where there conflicts with threatened or endangered species, translocation can be used in an attempt mitigate negative effects. For Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), we sought compare habitat- and space-use patterns between short-distance translocated, resident, control groups. We tested for differences home range size based on utilization distributions linear mixed-effects models intensity, while controlling demographic environmental variables. In addition, examined mean movement distances as well overlap years male female tortoises each study group. During first active season post-translocation, was greater intensity lower translocated than resident These were not present second season. both years, no difference Translocation typically resulted one questing followed by characterized that indistinguishable from tortoises. number times found burrow positively related intensity. Minimizing time required exhibit similar non-translocated individuals may have strong implications conservation reducing exposure adverse conditions predation. With ongoing development, our results guide future efforts aimed at understanding how strategies influence animal space use.