The Endangered Desert Tortoise

The tortoise article by Louis Sahagun (Metro, Sept. 1) points up the severe threats that man’s presence causes this disappearing desert creature and identifies the need for more research on the tortoise if it is to be saved.

In view of its rapid decline, it is probably more important to apply the research we already have.

There is a wealth of evidence that tortoise populations decline when there is a high level of exposure to certain kinds of human activities.

Protecting the habitat of the Rand Mountains and Fremont Valley south of Ridgecrest is absolutely critical to the survival of the western Mojave tortoise population.

Presently, to protect the tortoise, this area is under quarantine, banning all entry while the Bureau of Land Management drafts a management plan for the area. The plan is under public review and has very serious flaws. In an area of 100 square miles it proposes to approve 182 miles of roads, routes and trails--nearly four times as many miles as there should be. The plan also allows motorcycle races on the routes. The desert tortoise needs and deserves much better.

ELDEN HUGHES

Chair, Sierra Club

Southern California Desert Committee