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PROGRAM
40th Annual Meeting and Symposium
Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, Las Vegas, NV
February 20–23, 2015
PROGRAM CHAIR
Kristin H. Berry
MEETING CHAIRS
Al Muth, Christopher Noddings, Bruce Palmer, and Glenn Stewart
HOST AND ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE
Ken MacDonald, Chair
Mike Bailey Tracy Bailey Allen Bartoli Ray Butler David Carr Doug Duncan Maggie Fusari
Ashleigh Jones Jason Jones
Christopher Noddings Molly Peters Joe Probst Mari Quillman
Mickey Quillman Daniel Patterson Par Singhaseni Glenn Stewart
FIELD TRIP: Peter Woodman
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST: Joe Probst
AWARDS: Glenn Stewart
RAFFLE AND AUCTION: Joe Probst, Mari Quillman, Ray Butler
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
Chairperson: Bruce Palmer
Chairperson-elect: Ken MacDonald
Recording Secretary: Ed LaRue
Corresponding Secretary: Becky Jones
Treasurer: Joe Probst
Membership Coordinator: Mari Quillman
Kristin Berry
Board Members at Large
Maggie Fusari Cristina Jones Jason Jones Rebecca Jones
Glenn Stewart Michael Tuma Peter Woodman
Christopher Noddings
SPONSORS OF THE SYMPOSIUM
Special Event Sponsor: SNEI, 6295 McLeod Drive, Ste. 1, Las Vegas, NV 89120 (702) 248-5370
Platinum Sponsor
Ironwood Consulting, 1030 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Redlands, CA 92374 (909) 798-0330
Silver Sponsors
ECORP Consulting, Inc., 1801 Park Court Place, Bldg B, Ste 103, Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 648-4059
Enduring Conservation Outcomes, 145 Bull Street, Ste 2, Savannah, GA 31401 (919) 949-4059
GeomorphIS, LLC., PO Box 122886, San Diego, CA 92112 (619) 218-6463
Insignia Environmental, 258 High Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 321-6787
Solution Strategies International, Inc., 10559 Jefferson Blvd., Ste A, Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 641-0920
Many thanks to David Carr of ECORP Consulting Inc. for managing projection equipment
FORTIETH ANNUAL MEETING AND SYMPOSIUM OF
THE DESERT TORTOISE COUNCIL
Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, Las Vegas, Nevada
February 20-22, 2015
*Speaker order: First person listed is the speaker, unless an asterisk indicates another author
NOTE: time is specific to each speaker
______________________________________________________________________________
FRIDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 20, 2015
8:00–8:45 a.m.
Annual Business Meeting–VIRGINIA CITY ROOM
8:00–9:30 a.m.
Registration and Greetings – FOYER TO THE VIRGINIA CITY ROOM;
SEARCHLIGHT AND CARSON CITY ROOMS
8:00–11:30 a.m.
Coffee, Tea, and Water in the CARSON CITY/SEARCHLIGHT ROOM
OPENING SESSION–VIRGINIA CITY ROOM
9:30 a.m.
Welcome to Members and Guests
Bruce Palmer: Chairperson, Desert Tortoise Council Board of Directors
9:40 a.m.
Announcements and Introductions
Meeting Chairs: Al Muth1, Chris Noddings2, Bruce Palmer3, and Glenn Stewart4:
1
Director, Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center; 2Cardno, Inc., Santa
Barbara, CA; 3Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., Phoenix, AZ; 4Professor
Emeritus, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Chris Noddings,
Bruce Palmer, and Glenn Stewart are members, Desert Tortoise Council Board
of Directors
Session 1. Celebrating the 40th Anniversary: Reflections from Two Founders
Chair: Ed LaRue, Desert Tortoise Council Board of Directors and Circle Mountain Biological
Consultants, Inc.
9:45 a.m.
10:05 a.m.
The Desert Tortoise Council: Early Years and Successes, 1975–1995
Glenn R. Stewart, Professor Emeritus: California State Polytechnic University,
Pomona, and Desert Tortoise Council Board of Directors
Reflections on the Second Twenty Years: 1996–2015
Kristin H. Berry: Desert Tortoise Council Board of Directors and U.S.
Geological Survey, Riverside, CA
Session 2. Recent Research Projects: Demography and Genetics of the Gopherus species
Chair: Ken MacDonald, Desert Tortoise Council Board of Directors and NewFields
10:25 a.m.
Divergent Evolution of Sexual Size Dimorphism in North American
Gopherus Tortoises (STUDENT PAPER)
Michael Tuma: University of Southern California, Los Angeles
1
10:45 a.m.
Serendipity and The Tortoise
Brian Henen: Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, CA
11:00 a.m.
The Fence Experiment at the Desert Tortoise Research Natural Area
Interpretive Center: An Evaluation after 33 Years
Kristin H. Berry1, Tim Shields2, Julie Yee3, and William Perry3: U.S. Geological
Survey, 1Riverside and 3Dixon, CA; 2Haines, AK
11:15 a.m.
Re-evaluating the Spatial Genetic Structure of Agassiz’s Desert Tortoise
Using Landscape Genetic Simulations
Yessico Rico1, Taylor Edwards2, Kristin H. Berry3, Alice E. Karl4, Brian T.
Henen5, and Robert W. Murphy1: 1Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada;
2
University of Arizona, Tucson; 3U.S. Geological Survey, Riverside, CA; 4Davis,
CA; 5MAGTFTC Twentynine Palms, CA
11:30 a.m.
Whole Genome Resequencing Provides Novel Landscape Genomic Insights
for Desert Tortoise Conservation
H. Bradley Shaffer1, Evan McCartney-Melstad1, Peter Ralph2, Gideon
Bradburd3, Richard Tracy4, and Fran Sandmeier5: 1University of California, Los
Angeles; 2University of Southern California; 3University of California, Davis;
4
University of Nevada, Reno; 5Lindenwood University, IL
11:45 a.m.
Panel Discussion
12:00 noon
LUNCH
FRIDAY AFTERNOON, FEBRUARY 20, 2015—VIRGINIA CITY ROOM
Session 3. Recovery Actions by Federal and State Agencies: Past and Future
Chair: Rebecca Jones, Desert Tortoise Council Board of Directors and California Department of
Fish and Wildlife
1:15 p.m.
California BLM: Update on Tortoise Management Actions and Change in
Policy
Amy Fesnock: Bureau of Land Management, State Office, Sacramento, CA
1:35 p.m.
Recovery Progress at Mojave National Preserve
Neal Darby, Debra Hughson, Annie Kearns, Danette Woo, Todd Suess, and
Larry Whalon: Mojave National Preserve, Barstow, CA
1:45 p.m.
Desert Tortoise Management and Research in Joshua National Park
Michael Vamstad: Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, CA
1:55 p.m.
Management of Desert Tortoise Habitat on Bureau of Land Management
Administered Lands in Nevada
Mathew Hamilton1and Alicia Styles2: Bureau of Land Management, 1Las Vegas
and 2Caliente, NV
2:05 p.m.
Clark County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Update
Scott Cambrin: Clark County Desert Conservation Program, Las Vegas, NV
2
2:15 p.m.
Update for the St. George Field Office, BLM Utah
Tim Croissant: Bureau of Land Management, St. George, UT
2:25 p.m.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Update on the Desert Tortoise Recovery
Activities
Roy C. Averill-Murray: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Reno, NV
2:35 p.m.
U.S. Geological Survey Update
Susan Jones: U.S. Geological Survey, Sacramento, CA
2:45 p.m.
Quadstate Local Governments Authority: Counties Organized to
Participate in Desert Tortoise Recovery Planning and Other Natural
Resources Activities
Gerald Hillier and Bill Lamb*: QuadState Local Governments Authority,
Riverside, CA
2:55 p.m.
Panel Discussion with Nine Participants
3:15 p.m.
REFRESHMENT BREAK—CARSON CITY/SEARCHLIGHT ROOM
Session 4. Featured Speaker: Dr. Brian Cypher on Coyote Predation
Chair: Mari Quillman, Desert Tortoise Council Board of Directors and ECORP Consulting, Inc.
3:50 p.m.
Coyote Foraging Patterns in the Central Mojave Desert: Implications for
Predation on Desert Tortoises
Brian L. Cypher, Tory L. Westall, Christine L. Van Horn Job, and Erica C.
Kelly: California State University-Stanislaus, Turlock
4:20 p.m.
The American Badger as a Potential Predator of Local Tortoise Populations
Patrick G. Emblidge1,2, Christina M. Aiello1,2, Ken E. Nussear3, Todd C. Esque2,
and Andrew D. Walde4: 1Pennsylvania State University; 2U.S. Geological Survey,
Henderson, NV; 3University of Nevada, Reno; 4Walde Research &
Environmental Consulting, Atascadero, CA
4:35 p.m.
Panel Discussion on Coyotes and Badgers
Session 5. Book Author and Editor, Dr. David Rostal
Chair: Jason Jones, Desert Tortoise Council Board of Directors and Nevada Department of Wildlife
4:50 p.m.
The Long Road to the Book “Biology and Conservation of North American
Tortoises”
David C. Rostal: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro
5:10 p.m.
Adjourn
FRIDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 20, 2015
RED ROCK ROOM
6:00 to 9:00 p.m. BOOK SIGNING with DAVID ROSTAL; MIXER, BUFFET DINNER
7:30 p.m.
POSTER SESSION
3
POSTERS: available on Friday evening in the RED ROCK ROOM, at which time authors will be present
at their posters from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Survivorship and Reproductive Success of Gopherus polyphemus in Southeastern Georgia
Kaitlyn Hanley and David Rostal: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro
Temperature Preferences of Gopherus morafkai in Tropical Dry Forest
Rafael A. Lara-Resendiz1, Luis C. Villa-Corella2, Barry Sinervo1, Philip C. Rosen3, Alice E. Karl4,
Cristina Melendez Torres5, Fausto R. Méndez de la Cruz6 and Mercy L. Vaughn7: 1University of
California, Santa Cruz; 2Universidad de la Sierra, Moctezuma, Sonora, MX; 3University of Arizona,
Tucson; 4Davis, CA; 5CEDES (Comisión de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable del Estado de Sonora),
Hermosillo, Sonora, MX; 6Instituto de Biología, UNAM, Distrito Federal, MX; 7Paso Robles, CA
A Comparison of Occupancy Study Designs for a Low Density Sonoran Desert Tortoise Population
Chad Rubke1, Hillary Hoffman1, Daniel Leavitt1, and Janet Lynn2
1
Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix; 2Dept. of Emergency and Military Affairs, AZARNG,
Phoenix, AZ
Distribution of the Sonoran Desert Tortoise in Arizona
Keith O. Sullivan, Daniel Leavitt, Hillary Hoffman, and Sabra Tonn: Arizona Game and Fish
Department, Phoenix
POSTERS will be available for viewing all day Friday and Saturday, as well as Sunday morning in the
CARSON CITY/SEARCHLIGHT ROOM
SATURDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 21, 2015
6:30 to 7:45 a.m.
BREAKFAST BUFFET in the RED ROCK ROOM
SATURDAY MORNING SESSION—VIRGINIA CITY ROOM
Session 6. Ravens: Population Expansion and Growth, Impacts on Wildlife, and Potential Management
Solutions
Chair: Pete Coates, U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon, CA
8:00 a.m.
Introduction
Peter S. Coates: U.S. Geological Survey, Dixon, CA
8:05 a.m.
Inhabiting the West: Range Expansion and Population Growth of Common
Ravens
Peter S. Coates, Kristy Howe, and Michael L. Casazza: U.S. Geological Survey,
Dixon, CA
8:15 a.m.
Landscape Alterations and Anthropogenic Structures Influence Resource
Selection by Common Ravens in Sagebrush Ecosystems
Kristy Howe1, Peter S. Coates1, David J. Delehanty2, and Michael L. Casazza1:
1
U.S. Geological Survey, Dixon, CA; 2Idaho State University, Pocatello
8:30 a.m.
Colonization of a New Transmission Line by Raptors and Ravens in
Southwestern Idaho and Southeastern Oregon.
Karen Steenhof: Owyhee Desert Studies, Murphy, ID
8:45 a.m.
Linking Demography, Resource Use, and Predatory Behavior of Common
Ravens Across Ecosystems
4
William Webb: Foothill College, Los Altos, CA
9:05 a.m.
Surveys of Common Ravens in the Critical Habitats of the California Desert
Lawrence F. LaPré: U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Moreno Valley, CA
9:20 a.m.
Challenges of Managing a Snowy Plover Population in Association with an
Abundant Corvid
Mark A. Colwell and Matt Lau*: Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
9:35 a.m.
Ravens and Nesting Sage-Grouse: an Alarming Interaction
Peter S. Coates1, David J. Delehanty2, and Michael L. Casazza 1: 1 U.S.
Geological Survey, Dixon, CA; 2Idaho State University, Pocatello
9:55 a.m.
BREAK: CARSON CITY/SEARCHLIGHT ROOM
10:20 a.m.
Effects of Common Raven Removal and Temporal Variation in Weather on
Greater Sage-grouse Nesting Success
Jonathan B. Dinkins1, Michael R. Conover2, Christopher P. Kirol1, Jeffrey L.
Beck1, and S. Nicole Frey2: 1University of Wyoming, Laramie; 2Utah State
University, Logan
10:40 a.m.
Teaching Ravens to Do the Right Thing: Insights from Scaring Crows
John M. Marzluff: University of Washington, Seattle
11:00 a.m.
Egg Oiling to Reduce Nest Predation by Ravens: Preliminary Findings from
Alcatraz Island
Brianne Brussee, Peter S. Coates, and Michael L. Casazza: U.S. Geological
Survey, Dixon, CA
11:10 a.m.
An Adaptive Management Solution: An Example for Greater Sage-grouse in
Nevada
Michael L. Casazza1, Peter S. Coates1, and Lara Niell2: 1U.S. Geological Survey,
Dixon, CA; 2Sagebrush Ecosystem Program, Carson City, NV
11:20 a.m.
Viewing Lethal Control of Ravens (Corvus corax) Through a Conservation
Biology Lens
David J. Delehanty: Idaho State University, Pocatello
11:40 a.m.
Panel Discussion
12:00 a.m.
LUNCH
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, FEBRUARY 21, 2015
Session 7. Tortoise Nutrition: Essential Knowledge for Developing Best Management Practices and for
Restoring Desert Tortoise Habitat
Chair: Scott Abella, Desert Tortoise Council Board of Directors and Natural Resource Conservation
LLC
5
Robert C. Stebbins Research Award Winners: Ken Nagy, Lisa Hazard, Christian
Meienberger, Devesh Vyas, Danielle Shemanski, Ian Wallis, Brian Henen, and Phil Medica
1:15 p.m.
Featuring the Award Winners: The Nutritional Value of Desert Tortoise
Food Plants
Ken Nagy1 and Lisa Hazard2: 1University of California, Los Angeles; and
2
Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
1:55 p.m.
Landscape Genomics Aid Restoration of Desert Tortoise Habitat: A Case
Study with Sphaeralcea ambigua (Malvaceae) in the Mojave Desert
Daniel F. Shryock1, Caroline A. Havrilla2, Lesley A. DeFalco1, Todd C. Esque1,
Nathan A. Custer1, and Troy E. Wood3: U.S. Geological Survey, 1Henderson, NV
and 3Flagstaff, AZ; 2University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
2:10 p.m.
Comparison of Arizona Department of Transportation Construction
Revegetation Treatments to Meet Stormwater Permit Requirements for
Final Stabilization
Julie Alpert: Arizona Department of Transportation, Kingman, AZ
2:25 p.m.
Repairing Degraded Mojave Desert Tortoise Habitat: Lessons Learned and
Future Directions
Lesley A. DeFalco, Sara J. Scoles-Sciulla, Daniel F. Shryock, Nathan A. Custer,
and Todd C. Esque: U.S. Geological Survey, Henderson, NV
2:40 p.m.
Synthesizing Best Management Practices for Habitat of Agassiz’s Desert
Tortoise
Scott R. Abella1 and Kristin H. Berry2: 1Natural Resource Conservation LLC,
Boulder City, NV; 2U.S. Geological Survey, Riverside, CA
2:55 p.m.
Panel Discussion
3:15 p.m.
REFRESHMENTS: CARSON CITY/SEARCHLIGHT ROOM
Session 8: Health and Disease, Management Issues
Chair: Jerry Simecka, Dept. of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of North Texas,
Health Science Center, Ft. Worth, TX
3:35 p.m.
Dynamic Physiological Responses in the Mojave Desert Tortoise to Habitat
Disturbance and Environmental Change
Kristina Drake1,2,3, Todd Esque1, Ken Nussear1, Lizabeth Bowen1, Keith Miles1,2,
and Rebecca Lewison3: 1U. S. Geological Survey, Henderson, NV; 2University of
California, Davis; 3San Diego State University, CA
6
3:50 p.m.
Passengers in a Tortoise Nose (STUDENT PAPER)
Chava L. Weitzman1, Franziska C. Sandmeier1,2, and C. Richard Tracy 1:
1
University of Nevada, Reno; 2Lindenwood University-Belleville, IL
4:05 p.m.
Mycoplasma agassizii Are Unable to Grow or Survive in Soil from Burrows
of Desert Tortoises
Ashley Orlowski1, Leslie Tabor-Simecka1, Josephine Braun2, Nadine Lamberski3,
Mary B. Brown4 and Jerry W. Simecka1: 1University of North Texas Health
Science Center, Fort Worth, TX; 2San Diego Zoo, Escondido, CA; 3San Diego
Zoo Safari Park, Escondido, CA; 4University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
4:20 p.m.
Evaluating Disease Risk from a Population Perspective: Does Translocation
Change Tortoise Contact Networks into Pathogen Highways? (STUDENT
PAPER)
Christina M. Aiello1,2, 3, Kenneth E. Nussear4, Andrew D. Walde5, Todd C.
Esque1, Patrick G. Emblidge3, Pratha Sah6, Shweta Bansal6,7, and Peter J.
Hudson3: 1U.S. Geological Survey, Henderson, NV; 2Email: caiello@usgs.gov;
3
Pennsylvania State University; 4University of Nevada, Reno; 5Walde Research
& Environmental Consulting, Atascadero, CA
4:35 p.m.
Panel Discussion
Session 9. Tortoise Social Behavior
Chair: Joe Probst, Desert Tortoise Council Board of Directors
4:50 p.m.
The Glass Bridge, an Exercise in Problem Solving (STUDENT PAPER)
Norma J. Engberg: Humane Society University
5:05 p.m.
Social Behavior of Desert Tortoise: A Request for More Studies.
Bayard Brattstrom: Horned Lizard Ranch, Wikieup, AZ
5:20 p.m.
Discussion
5:35 p.m.
Adjourn
SATURDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 21, 2015—SAM’S TOWN LIVE
5:45 p.m.
MIXER: Meet and Greet Robert C. Stebbins Research Award Winners; book
signing with David Rostal and other authors
6:30 p.m.
DINNER
7:30 p.m.
AWARDS, PHOTO CONTEST
8:15 p.m.
Break
8:30 p.m.
BANQUET ADDRESS
Natural Resource Conservation in American National Parks: 16 Successes
Scott Abella: Natural Resources Conservation, LLC, Boulder City, NV
9:00 p.m.
AUCTION AND RAFFLE
7
SUNDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 22, 2015
6:30 to 7:45 a.m.
BREAKFAST—RED ROCK ROOM
SUNDAY MORNING SESSION—VIRGINIA CITY ROOM
Session 10. Accomplishments of Non-profit Organizations on Behalf of Gopherus species in the
Southwest
Chair: Heidi Brannon, Solutions Strategies International, Los Angeles
8:00 a.m.
Tortoise Group: A 34-year history
James Cornall and Kathy Utiger: Tortoise Group, Las Vegas, NV
8:15 a.m.
Imminent Threats to our Desert National Parks and their Iconic Species:
David Lamfrom: National Parks Conservation Association, Barstow, CA
8:30 a.m.
Desert Tortoise Council Activities–2014
Bruce K. Palmer, Chairperson: Board of Directors, Desert Tortoise Council and
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., Phoenix, AZ
9:00 a.m.
Blowin’ In The Wind
Ron Berger, President: Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee, Inc., Riverside, CA
9:10 a.m.
Conservation Under the Shadow of Solar Energy
Mosheh Wolf: Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee, Riverside, CA
9:20 a.m.
Desert Tortoise: Time is of the Essence for Protection and Recovery
Lisa Belenky1 and Ileene Anderson2: Center for Biological Diversity, 1San
Francisco and 2Los Angeles, CA
9:35 a.m.
Panel Discussion
9:50 a.m.
BREAK: CARSON CITY/SEARCHLIGHT ROOM
Session 11. Research on Morafka’s Desert Tortoise in the Sonoran Desert: Many Subjects, Much
Accomplished
Chair: Cristina Jones, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix
10:15 a.m.
Habitat Use of Juvenile Sonoran Desert Tortoises in Central Arizona
Cristina A. Jones, Audrey K. Owens, Emily R. Grabowsky, and Allen R. Bartoli:
Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, AZ
10:30 a.m.
Ingestion of Nonvegetation Food Items by Juvenile Sonoran Desert Tortoises
in Central Arizona (STUDENT PAPER)
Allen K. Bartoli1 2, Audrey K. Owens2, Emily R. Grabowsky2, and Cristina A.
Jones2: 1Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ; 2Arizona Game and Fish
Department, Phoenix, AZ
8
10:45 a.m.
The Reproductive Ecology of Female Sonoran Desert Tortoises (Gopherus
morafkai)
Roy C. Averill-Murray1, Brian T. Henen2, and Terry E. Christopher3
1
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Reno, NV; 2Marine Air Ground Task Force
Training Command, MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, CA; 3Great Basin Institute,
Reno, NV
11:00 a.m.
Characterization of a Secondary Contact Zone between Gopherus agassizii
and G. morafkai in Northwestern Arizona
Taylor Edwards1,2, Kristin H. Berry3, Richard D. Inman4, Todd C. Esque4,
Kenneth E. Nussear4, Cristina A. Jones1,5, and Melanie Culver1,6:
1
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; 2University of Arizona Genetics Core,
Tucson; U.S. Geological Survey, 3Riverside, CA, and 4Henderson, NV and
6
Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, AZ; 5Arizona
Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, AZ
11:15 a.m.
Preliminary Assessment of a Small-scale Relocation in the Sonoran Desert
Tortoise (Gopherus morafkai): Comparisons with Residents
Brian K. Sullivan1, Audrey K. Owens2, Keith O. Sullivan1,2, and Elizabeth A.
Sullivan1: 1Arizona State University, Phoenix; 2Arizona Game and Fish
Department, Phoenix
11:30 a.m.
Occupancy and Habitat Use of Sonoran Desert Tortoises on Yuma Proving
Ground: A New Hope
Daniel J. Leavitt1, Hillary A. Hoffman1, and Daniel Steward2
1
Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix; 2U.S. Army Garrison Yuma,
IMYM-PWE, Yuma, AZ
11:45 a.m.
LUNCH
SUNDAY AFTERNOON —VIRGINIA CITY ROOM
Announcements: Winners of the David J. Morafka Memorial Research Award and the Student Award for
Best Paper
1:15 p.m.
Glenn R. Stewart, Professor Emeritus, California State Polytechnic University,
Pomona and Desert Tortoise Council Board of Directors
Session 12. Research on Morafka’s Desert Tortoise in the Sonoran Desert: Many Subjects, Much
Accomplished, continued
1:30 p.m.
Sonoran Desert Tortoise Surveys and Conservation Efforts on ASARCO
Mine Properties in Southern Arizona
Vesna Perovic1, Nancy Johannesmeyer2, Tom Klempel3, and J. Daren Riedle4:
1
ASARCO Ray Ops, Kearny, AZ; 2Silver Bell Mining, LLC, Marana, AZ;
3
ASARCO Mission Complex, Sahuarita, AZ; 4Environmental Planning Group,
Phoenix, AZ
9
1:45 p.m.
The Christmas Tree and the Tortoise: Occupancy Assessments for the
Sonoran Desert Tortoise in Arizona.
Daniel J. Leavitt1, Hillary A. Hoffman1, Janet C. Lynn2, and Cristina A. Jones3:
1
Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix; 2Department of Emergency and
Military Affairs, AZARNG, Phoenix, AZ; 3Arizona Game and Fish Department,
Phoenix
2:00 p.m.
What Drives Vegetation Change After Fires, and Why Is That Change
Important to Sonoran Desert Tortoises?
Todd C. Esque1, Daniel F. Shryock1, Kenneth E. Nussear1, Andrew J. Berger1,
Felicia C. Chen1, Kristina K. Drake1,2,3, and Richard D. Inman1,4: 1U.S.
Geological Survey, Henderson, NV; 2University of California, Davis; 3San Diego
State University, San Diego, CA; 4Arizona State University, Tempe
2:15 p.m.
Panel
Session 13. A Summary of 15 Years of Research on Gopherus morafkai in Mexico
Chair: Mercy Vaughn, Paso Robles, CA
2:30 p.m.
The Northwest Mexico Tortoise Project; 15 Years of Sweaty Science
Peter Woodman, Kiva Biological Consulting, Inyokern, CA
2:45 p.m.
Widespread Mortality and Related Population Declines in Gopherus
morafkai
Philip C. Rosen 1, Peter A. Holm 2, Mercy L. Vaughn 3, and Cristina Melendez
Torres 4: 1University of Arizona, Tucson AZ; 2Organ Pipe Cactus National
Monument, Ajo, AZ; 3 Paso Robles, CA; 4CEDES (Comisión de Ecología y
Desarrollo Sustentable del Estado de Sonora), Hermosillo, Sonora, MX
3:05 p.m.
The Distribution and Genetic Structure of Desert Tortoise (Gopherus
morafkai) in Mexico
Taylor Edwards1,2,Mercy Vaughn3, Philip C. Rosen1,Cristina Meléndez Torres4,
Alice E. Karl5, Melanie Culver1,6, Robert W. Murphy 7: 1 University of Arizona,
Tucson; 2University of Arizona Genetics Core, Tucson; 3Paso Robles, CA;
4
Comisión de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable del Estado de Sonora, Sonora,
MX; 5Davis, CA; 6U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona Cooperative Fish and
Wildlife Research Unit, University of Arizona, Tucson; 7Royal Ontario Museum,
Toronto, Canada
3.20 p.m.
Buffelgrass, Induced Pasture, and Thermal Threats to Gopherus morafkai in
Mexico
Philip C. Rosen 1, Rafael Lara-Resendiz 2, Barry Sinervo 2, Cristina Melendez
Torres 3, and Mercy L. Vaughn 4: 1 University of Arizona, Tucson; 2University of
California, Santa Cruz; 3 Comisión de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable del
Estado de Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, MX; 4 Paso Robles, CA
3:35 p.m.
Projected Climate Change Impacts on Gopherus Morafkai in Tropical Dry
Forests
Barry Sinervo 1, Rafael Lara-Resendiz 1 and Philip C. Rosen 2: 1University of
California, Santa Cruz; 2University of Arizona, Tucson
10
3:50 p.m.
Panel
4:05 p.m.
BRIEF BREAK: CARSON CITY/SEARCHLIGHT ROOM
Session 14. Translocation and Head-starting as Potential Recovery Measures
Chair: Michael Tuma, Desert Tortoise Council Board of Directors, ECORP Consulting, Inc.,
Redlands, CA
4:20 p.m.
Survivorship and Growth of Predator-Protected vs. Free-Ranging Released
Juvenile Desert Tortoises in the Mojave National Preserve
Kurt A. Buhlmann1, Tracey D. Tuberville1, Melia G. Nafus2, Mark Peaden2,
Lindsay Chiquoine2, Jacob Daly1, Valerie Johnson2, and Brian D. Todd2:
1
University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC;
2
University of California, Davis
4:35 p.m.
Into the Wild: Post-release Survival of Headstart, Juvenile Desert Tortoises
at Edwards Air Force Base
Jeremy Mack1, Misty Hailstone2, Kristin H. Berry1, and Tom Mull2: 1U.S.
Geological Survey, Riverside, CA; 2Edwards Air Force Base, CA
4:50 p.m.
Mortality and Survival of Juvenile Agassiz’s Desert Tortoises at the Fort
Irwin Study Site
Michael W. Tuma1, 2, L. Scott Hillard3, and Kenneth A. Nagy3: 1ECORP
Consulting, Inc., Redlands, CA; 2University of Southern California, Los Angeles;
3
University of California, Los Angeles
5:05 p.m.
2014 Translocations from the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center
Roy C. Averill-Murray: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Reno, NV
5:20 p.m.
The Importance of Animal Personality for Individual Suitability in Desert
Tortoise Reintroduction Programs
Jennifer M. Germano1, Melia G. Nafus2, Jeanette Perry2, Allyson Walsh2,
Ronald R. Swaisgood2 :1Department of Conservation, Hamilton 3240, New
Zealand; 2Institute for Conservation Research, Escondido, CA
5:35 p.m.
Panel Discussion
5:40 p.m.
Adjourn
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VENDORS AND EXHIBITS—ALAMO/GOLDFIELD ROOMS
Nonprofit Organizations
Center for Biological Diversity. Ileene Anderson. 8033 Sunset Blvd., #447, Los Angeles, CA
90046. Phone: (323) 654-5943, (323) 490-0223
Website: http://www.biologicaldiversity.org. Email: ianderson@biologicaldiversity.org
Desert Tortoise Council. Doug Duncan. 4654 East Avenue S, #257B, Palmdale, CA 93552
Website: http://www.deserttortoise.org
Biology and Conservation of North American Tortoises, as well as other books from University
of Arizona Press and Treasure Chest Books, will be on sale at discounted prices; all proceeds will
go to the Desert Tortoise Council.
Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee, Inc. Mosheh Wolf. 4067 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside,
CA 92501. Phone: (955) 683-3872; Fax: (951) 683-6949
Website: http://www.tortoise-tracks.org. E-mail: mosheh.wolf@tortoise-tracks.org
Mojave Desert Land Trust (printed material only). Danielle Segura. 61732 Twentynine
Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252. Phone: (760) 366-5440
Website: http://www.mojavedesertlandtrust.org/. Email: Danielle@mojavedesertlandtrtust.org
National Parks Conservation Association. Seth Shteir. 61325 Twentynine Palms Highway,
Suite D, Joshua Tree, CA 92252. Phone: (760) 332-9776
Website: http://www.npca.org. Email: sshteir@npca.org
Southwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (SWPARC).
Website: http://www.swparc.org. Email: SouthwestPARC@gmail.com
Springs Preserve (printed material only). 333 South Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas NV 89107.
Phone: (702) 822-7733
Website: http://www.springspreserve.org. Email: dawn.barraclough@springspreserve.org
Tortoise Group. Jim Cornall. PO Box 33866, Las Vegas, NV 89133; Phone: (702) 782-8453
Website: http://www.tortoisegroup.org. Email: jimcornall@tortoisegroup.org
Art, Books, Drawings, Sculptures, Jewelry, and Other Products
Greenheart Gifts. Terry Christopher. 5883 Stoneborough, Las Vegas, NV 89113.
Phone: (702) 378-0731. Email: greenheartgifts@aol.com
Field and Laboratory Equipment
Alpen Optics (printed materials only). 10329 Dorset St., Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91759.
Phone: (909) 987-8370; Fax: (909) 987-8661
Website: http://www.alpenoptics.com
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