The Endangered Desert Tortoise

I would like to thank The Times for its article on our neonatal tortoise research at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Unfortunately, one statement, “The tortoises under study . . . eventually will be set free in the desert,” does need correction. An early draft of our study plan (provided to The Times) did make reference to a now-abandoned reintroduction project. In fact, no captive tortoises will be released into natural habitats. Upper respiratory disease syndrome, now widespread among the declining tortoise populations of the western Mojave Desert, may be of a captive origin. A BLM team, led by Dr. Kristin Berry, has concluded that asymptomatic adults, juveniles and even eggs may harbor agents of this serious disease. No one should be releasing any captive tortoises into our desert. Such actions are, in fact, violations of both state and federal regulations.

The prototypes for our hatchery, nursery and field studies were all generated by Mexico’s program to protect its endangered Bolson tortoise. These efforts were described briefly in another recent Times article (“Mexico Helps Rare Tortoise,” Part B, July 30). The Mexican facility in the state of Durango has been in operation since 1984.

In tortoise conservation, technical advice flows freely both ways across the border; we are indebted to our Mexican colleagues for their assistance.

DAVID J. MORAFKA

Professor, Department of Biology

Cal State Dominguez Hills