Dedicated to California Turtle & Tortoise Club Turtle & Tortoise Conservation, Preservation the Tortuga Gazette and Education Since 1964 Volume 55, Number 4 • July/August 2019
Gopherus agassizii, commonly known as Agassiz’s or the Mojave Desert Tortoise. Photo © 2008 by the Desert Tortoise Recovery Office, Pacific Southwest Region USFWS. Public domain. Agassiz’s Desert Tortoise, Gopherus agassizii Winter and Summer Dormancy of the by M. A. Cohen gassiz’s or theWild Mojave desert Desert include fluctuations Tortoise in air tempera- harm. Withdrawal to these relative- A tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) ture from searing heat to bitter ly benign surroundings is crucial is an herbivorous (plant-eating), cold, as well as the scarcity of food to its survival, as lethal surface diurnal (active during the day) and water for much of the year. temperatures are common in the reptile that is native to the Mojave One of the desert tortoise’s prima- tortoise’s habitat. Researchers Desert of North America. Like other ry adaptations to its inhospitable estimate that between its winter desert-dwelling animals, the desert habitat is retreating into an under- and summer intervals of torpor, the tortoise has developed strategies ground burrow or a protective cave desert tortoise typically spends at for coping with the extreme condi- or rock crevice as environmental least 95% of its life underground in tions of its habitat. These extremes stress forces escape from potential the shelter of its burrow. 2 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019
C O Winter and Summer Dormancy of the Wild Desert Tortoise by M. A. Cohen 1 N Turtles, Tortoises, and Gratitude by Karen Berry and Cristina Perovich 8 T Mike's Turtle Net Picks by Michael J. Connor, Ph.D. 12 E The Turtle’s Garden: Indian Fig (Opuntia ficus-indica) 14 N Meetings and Programs 16 T 2019 CTTC Directory 17 S
Desert amphibians and reptiles in mammals and some birds and in- rate, lowering of the core body tem- general, and G. agassizii in particu- sects native to subtropical and perature, and slowing of respiration lar, belong to a class of animals that temperate regions of the world. and heart rates. These physiologi- animal behaviorists call evaders. Extremely low air temperatures and cal changes conserve the animal’s These animals avoid excessive food shortages occurring in win- energy during the long period of heating and cooling of their bodies ter force creatures into a state of inactivity. As the air temperature by retreating from, or evading tem- sustained physiological depression falls, so does the animal’s body perature extremes. Evaders shelter and metabolic dormancy in order to temperature, until its body tem- in benign microenvironments such survive environmental extremes. perature is comparable to that of as underground burrows in order to Hibernation is a type of adaptive its surroundings. thermoregulate, i.e., regulate their hypothermia, a survival strategy In true hibernation, an animal may body temperatures (OpenLearn - involving both physiological and be- appear to be dead. It is totally un- The Open University n.d.). havioral components. Shorter day responsive to outside stimuli. So Hibernation, Brumation and length and lower air temperature complete is the torpor of true hi- Estivation are the primary environmental cues bernation that the animal may even The terms hibernation, brumation that prompt animals to prepare for be physically removed from its hi- and estivation all refer to types of hibernation. bernaculum without awakening. thermal adaptation during which an In late summer and autumn, animals Brumation animal retires to a safe place and living in cold-winter areas prepare Brumation (pronounced broo-may- experiences a period of inactivity for hibernation by eating as much shun) is the unique term zoologists in order to conserve its energy and high-quality food as possible. The use to characterize winter dorman- endure some severe condition in its greater intake of food prior to cy in reptiles. This term is based environment. Each of these three dormancy results in an increase in on the adjective “brumal,” meaning terms refers to a type of meta- body fat. It is this body fat which “occurring in winter,” which itself bolic depression, the reduction of sustains the hibernating animal’s is derived from the Latin bruma, the animal’s metabolic rate as a essential life processes through its meaning “winter.” Shorter days, strategy for coping with adverse dormancy. During hibernation the cooler temperatures and changes environmental conditions, whether animal burns stored body fat but in barometric pressure are some the adversity is excessive heat or does not lose muscle mass. of the environmental cues that are cold, or scarcity of sustenance. The Preparation for hibernation also thought to trigger the brumation of following discussion examines the includes seeking or constructing reptiles. terminology of torpor more close- a safe, suitable hibernaculum, or ly. Torpor is key to these forms of Some of the physiological changes chamber in which to hibernate. that occur in reptiles during bru- thermal adaptation: animals be- Burrows, caves, rock crevices, dens come lethargic, entering a state of mation parallel those that occur in or nests, depending on the animal other animals during hibernation. hypothermia coupled with behav- utilizing the chamber, may serve as ioral inactivity. However, brumation in reptiles hibernacula. differs from hibernation in other Hibernation The physiological changes that animals in several significant ways. Hibernation is a zoological term accompany true hibernation are Hibernation involves more drastic for the period of profound winter profound and sustained, including physiological changes than does dormancy that is routine for many a lowering of the basal metabolic reptile brumation. A reptile does 3 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019 not physiologically regulate its body southwestern United States and Desert Tortoise Ectothermy temperature; its body temperature northern Mexico, a region where and Thermoregulation is comparable to the ambient, or mid-day air temperatures in sum- Desert tortoises are known to surrounding temperature of the mer may reach lethal levels. It is zoology as ectotherms, animals burrow microenvironment, typically vital that G. agassizii seek refuge in whose internal body temperature 40 to 60°F (4.4 to 15.5°C). While a benign microenvironment. When is dependent on external (envi- the mammal or bird is sustained by milder daytime temperatures re- ronmental) conditions. An ecto- its fat reserves during hibernation, turn in early fall, the desert tortoise thermic animal is sometimes said the reptile is sustained by glycogen emerges from its estivation cham- to be “cold-blooded,” but the term (stored glucose) reserves during ber to feed on any available forage cold-blooded is vague and mislead- brumation (Tosney n.d.). prior to entering its winter dorman- ing because ectotherms can actu- Even though their dormancy is cy phase known as brumation. ally have higher body temperatures termed brumation, the chamber in Estivation may last for days, weeks than the so-called “warm-blooded” which reptiles shelter is termed a or the entire dry season. During mammals living in their ecosystem hibernaculum. Reptiles will shelter summer thunderstorms in the des- (Wareham 1993). The ectotherm in their hibernacula and may remain ert, estivating G. agassizii often regulates its body temperature by largely inactive for months at a emerge from their burrows to drink exchanging heat with its environ- time. Metabolic, heart and respira- ment. Because of this tory rates in the brumating reptile dependence on exter- slow to minimal levels. Feeding, nal circumstances, the digestion and defecation effec- body temperature of an tively cease. However, on milder ectothermic animal is days, reptiles may emerge to bask. subject to considerable During rainfall, they may emerge fluctuation. to drink. After such an emergence, On sunny days, G. agas- they return to their hibernacula and sizii may experience resume their energy-conserving substantial heat gain lethargy. and must avoid hy- Brumation may entail biological perthermia (excessive cues such as hormonal chang- heating) and dehydra- es, neurotransmitter shifts, and tion as it forages for changes in amino acid concentra- food, seeks mates, and tions. These internal cues are not so on. In cold weather, well understood and may, in fact, be low temperatures may a consequence of the environmen- cause hypothermia, the tal cues which trigger brumation in consequences of which the wild. can be as life-threaten- ing as excessively high Estivation temperatures. In desert Estivation, also spelled “aestiva- environments domi- tion,” is a zoological term for the nated by temperature period of summer dormancy that extremes, ectotherms occurs in animals when environ- In Joshua Tree National Park, Adele the desert tortoise burrows such as the desert tor- mental conditions are excessively beneath a fallen Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia). Photo by Kristen toise must thermoreg- hot and dry. When food supplies Lalumiere for the National Park Service. Public domain. ulate in order to survive. dwindle and water is essentially from the temporary rainpools that Thermoregulation, the maintenance unavailable, many animals, including form, after which they retreat once of body temperature within a range the desert tortoise, resort to the again to the microenvironment of conducive to survival, involves dis- safety of estivation as a survival their shelters to evade summer’s tinct behaviors, specifically basking strategy. As with brumation, esti- excessive heat. During estivation in the warmth of sunlight and cool- vation involves energy and water as much as 25% of the desert tor- ing off in the shelter of a cover site. conservation by a slowing of the life toise’s body mass may be the water processes: metabolic, heart and re- stored in its bladder. Water Conservation and the spiratory rates all slow significantly. Desert Tortoise Bladder The desert tortoise is native to the Water is perhaps the most pre- Mojave and Sonoran deserts of the cious commodity in the desert 4 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019 environment. All desert organisms require some amount of water to sustain life, and G. agassizii is no exception. While the tortoise does drink from temporary rainpools that form during rainstorms, most of the desert tortoise’s water in- take comes from the plants it eats. Grasses and herbs, especially wild- flowers, provide the most of the desert tortoise’s dietary water as they are consumed during spring and summer foraging. G. agassizii possesses a large uri- nary bladder with some remarkable capabilities. The bladder is able to store as much as 40% of the desert tortoise’s body weight as water, urea, uric acid and nitrogenous wastes. The desert tortoise bladder In Joshua Tree National Park, a desert tortoise is tucked into a burrow. Note the half-moon shape of can cause uric acid solids (‘urates’) the burrow entrance, mimicking the shape of the tortoise’s carapace. Photo by Joshua Tree National Park. Public domain. to be precipitated and excreted as semi-solid wastes, while enabling site in Clark County, Nevada includ- at midday may have a skin tem- water to be reabsorbed into the ed recording the ambient tempera- perature of 102.2°F (39.3°C), while desert tortoise’s system for main- tures within tortoise burrows. The the ambient temperature within the tenance of its water balance. In research indicates that the burrow burrow may be 86.9°F (30.5°C), a addition to urate excretion, there temperatures typically varied less difference of 15.3°F (8.8°C) (Bulova are other means by which the des- than 0.55°F (1°C) per day. The aver- 2002). As the desert tortoise rests ert tortoise loses water, including age temperature within the burrow within the shelter of the burrow, its respiration, evaporation and defe- in late August was 84.2°F (29°C); body temperature equalizes with cation. In additional to being a ther- the average temperature within the that of its surroundings. mal refuge for the desert tortoise, burrow in December was 44.6°F The relative humidity within the the burrow acts as a hydric refuge, (7°C) (Zimmerman et al. 1994). burrow is significantly higher than enabling the desert tortoise to con- The burrow serves as an immediate that of the surface. At a Clark serve precious moisture. refuge in which to escape danger- County, Nevada study site, when The Desert Tortoise Burrow ously high or low surface tempera- the surface air temperature mea- Microenvironment tures for G. agassizii (Bulova 2002). sured 91.4°F (33°C), the relative In order to thermoregulate, reptiles It is vital that the desert tortoise humidity (RH) on the surface of the will seek the shelter of an under- seeks the shelter of a burrow desert at midday was 10.0% while ground burrow, cave, rock crevice, when surface conditions become the RH within a burrow measured or in the shade cast by a plant such life threatening. For example, the 19.5% (Bulova 2002). The higher as creosote (Larrea tridentata) in intense direct rays of the sun can RH in its burrow helps the desert order to cool off. G. agassizii often cause a desert tortoise to overheat tortoise conserve its water balance digs a pallet in the shade of a plant and die within an hour. Conditions in while resting between intervals when no burrow is nearby. The pal- the burrow microenvironment are of activity and during periods of let is a shallow depression typically benign relative to the extremes oc- dormancy. no deeper than the carapace of the curring on the surface. Evaporative water loss can lead to tortoise, scraped into the earth un- Skin temperature is generally a dehydration, an ever-present risk in der a desert shrub to create a tem- good indicator of body temperature arid environments. Research shows porary resting site during daytime in G. agassizii. The stable situation that the RH in a tortoise burrow is heat. On warm summer nights des- within the burrow is conducive to increased by as much as 40% when ert tortoises often sleep in these maintenance of a favorable body the tortoise is present. Evaporation pallets rather than in underground temperature (Bulova 2002). of moisture from the lungs, ex- burrows. A desert tortoise entering a burrow posed skin and eyes of G. agassizii A study conducted in 1991-2 at a all contribute to the increase in the 5 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019 burrow’s RH. The eyes of the desert orientation, and other features. and depressions. Where soil com- tortoise are covered with moist Arizona burrows position permits, desert tortoises corneas rather than the dry scales In northern and central Arizona, in southern Arizona and northern that are typical of snakes and many winters can be harsh, and low Mexico may dig burrows up to 6.6 lizards (Bulova 2002). Closing its temperatures compel the resident ft. (2 m) long. eyes while resting in the burrow is tortoises into dormancy. Burrows California burrows another way for the desert tortoise are excavated in the banks of ar- In California, G. agassizii excavates to reduce its evaporative water royos with sufficient depth that both permanent deep burrows and loss. the posterior margin of the tor- temporary shallow burrows and Physical Characteristics of toise’s carapace is flush with the pallets. Permanent burrows are the Desert Tortoise Burrow arroyo wall (Luckenbach 1982). In commonly about 3.3 ft (1 m) deep It is the burrow that affords a southern Arizona winters are more and descend at an angle between desert tortoise its best option for moderate and desert tortoises may 10 and 30°. Occasionally a burrow coping with the daily and the an- use shallow burrows or pallets in may be as long as 9.8 ft (3 m). Shal- nual temperature extremes of its which to shelter. Desert tortoises low burrows are typically just deep habitat. The burrow provides a des- native to Arizona’s Sonoran Desert enough to cover the desert tortoise ert tortoise with several benefits, and that of northern Mexico may (Luckenbach 1982). including a warmer temperature in not brumate at all, but will use their Research conducted at the Desert winter and a cooler temperature shelters for midday and seasonal Tortoise Preserve in Kern County, in summer than the surface tem- protection from overheating. CA indicates that an adult desert perature, generally higher and more The majority of G. agassizii in Ari- tortoise usually has one to three constant humidity than surface zona are found in Sonoran Desert permanent burrows and two to humidity, and protection from pred- three shallow bur- ators (Luckenbach 1982). rows or pallets. G. agassizii is well-equipped to These shelters are excavate its burrow. Using its used repeatedly. An strong, flattened forelimbs to individual tortoise shape the burrow, the tortoise will often return to labors to kick displaced soil away the same burrow from the burrow entrance. The after a lengthy burrow entrance is typically a feeding or mating half-dome which is slightly taller excursion (Lucken- than the tortoise itself, allowing bach 1982). the animal to enter without com- Desert tortoises pletely extending its legs (Lawler routinely spend the n.d.). The narrow tunnel beyond night above ground the entrance leads to an inner in pallets or un- chamber that is typically just der shrubs during large enough for the tortoise to spring and summer. turn around in. Desert tortoises “The desert tortoise can live where ground temperatures may top 140 degrees F Nighttime surface often rest facing out of their bur- [60 degrees C] because it digs burrows to escape the heat.” Photo © 2005 by temperatures drop row entrances before they begin Lake Mead National Recreation Area Public Affairs. Source: Wikimedia Com- to 68 to 75°F (20 their morning activities. mons; license: CC-BY-SA-2.0. to 24°C) while the The desert tortoise is native to temperature in desert regions in Arizona, California, the burrow may be 86 to 93°F (30 Nevada, Utah and northern Mexico. habitat along rocky slopes and ba- to 34°C). It appears that sleeping These areas have significantly dif- jadas, ranging from 508 ft (155 m) above ground gives the tortoise ferent geographical features. Both to 5,250 ft (1600 m) in elevation the thermal advantage of starting burrow configuration and utilization (Desert Tortoise Management n.d.). its morning activities with a lower vary considerably from one locality The boulders and coarse-grained body temperature, thus extending to another, depending largely on soil composition of this habitat the amount of time before seeking the topography of the region. Cli- impede the construction of an shelter becomes necessary (Luck- mate, weather, landforms and soil excavated burrow. Native desert enbach 1982). composition dictate the depth of a tortoises are likely to shelter in nat- urally formed rock caves, crevices Nevada burrows burrow, the length of its tunnel, its G. agassizii in Nevada utilizes four 6 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019 types of cover sites. Dens, burrows, in Utah are usually horizontal tun- carved out of the bank of an arroyo, pallets, and nonburrows all provide nels measuring 6.6 to 16.4 ft (2 to a dry creek bed that may tempo- shelter for the resident tortoises. 5 m), but may measure up to 33 ft. rarily fill with water during heavy These cover sites are typically (10 m) in length (Luckenbach 1982). rainfall. excavated in soils with varying Often referred to as “dens,” winter Many other desert animals, known amounts of coarse gravel, in the burrows in Utah can be located in in zoology as commensals, benefit banks or beds of arroyos, and under the banks of arroyos but may also from the burrow a desert tortoise desert shrubs. Desert tortoises be located on hill slopes, flatlands excavates. Researchers in Utah, in Nevada that were fitted with or naturally-formed rock crevices. Nevada and California have docu- radio transmitters and tracked by The burrow entrance is typically mented the presence of more than researchers utilized 12 to 25 cover south-facing. Winter burrows are thirty types of animals in desert sites during their annual activities often used communally. Research- tortoise burrows, including lizards, (Burge 1978). ers have found as many as 25 bru- snakes, insects, spiders, small Nevada researchers define a den mating tortoises in one den, but mammals and birds (Luckenbach as a type of burrow often formed fewer than five individuals is much 1982). more common (Luckebach 1982). by geologic activity in consolidat- Selecting a Burrow: Chemi- ed-gravel formations, that may be When the weather warms suffi- cal Cues from Other Desert further excavated by a tortoise. ciently, Utah’s desert tortoises Tortoises A burrow is a subsurface cavity emerge from their hibernacula and G. agassizii typically utilizes several formed by erosion or excavated by migrate to their spring and summer burrows within its individual range. tortoises, or a combination of the foraging areas. Summer burrows in A single tortoise may use as few two. A pallet is a shallow depression Utah are typically located on flat- as 3 or as many as 18 burrows (or utilizing a canopy of shrub branches lands, between arroyos or in arroyo more) during its annual active pe- or an overhanging rock riod. Numerous research- formation as a “roof.” A ers have observed that a nonburrow cover site may desert tortoise will often be exposed ground shaded enter and exit several by overhanging shrubs or a burrows before selecting cavity that partially covers one in which to rest. Re- the desert tortoise (Burge searchers studying burrow 1978). selection have made some In a study conducted in other interesting observa- Nevada, researchers found tions. The desert tortoise that 72% of cover sites in appears to select or reject the study area were locat- Desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii, in a crevice burrow. Photo © Pierre Fiden- a given burrow based on ed under shrubs such as ci. Source: http://calphotos.berkeley.edu; license: CC-BY-SA-2.5 chemical cues left by oth- creosote (Larrea divarica- er desert tortoises (Bulova ta [=tridentata]), Nevada ephedra banks or under desert shrubs. Sum- 1997). In zoology members of the (Ephedra nevadensis), and Catclaw mer burrows are shallow, domed same species are known as conspe- acacia (Acacia greggii) (Burge hollows up to 3.3 ft (1 m) long which cifics, so the chemical cues left by 1978). angle downward. Tortoises may desert tortoises are described as excavate new summer quarters or “conspecific chemical cues.” Utah burrows may use existing burrows that they In the state of Utah the northern clean out and utilize (Luckenbach There are two primary types of limit of G. agassizii native habitat 1982). chemical cues on which a given occurs. Winters are harsh and cold tortoise relies when selecting a in their habitat, and Utah’s resident Northern Mexico burrows given burrow: chin-gland secretions desert tortoises spend 100 to 200 G. agassizii in northern Mexico, a and deposited fecal pellets. The days per year in their hibernacula, region of relatively mild winters, wild desert tortoise does not rely which include soil burrows, rock usually rely on pallets or shallow on urine deposits during its burrow crevices, and caves in caliche, or burrows as their nocturnal and sea- selection process. In an effort to hardpan soils. Researchers believe sonal shelters. Pallets tend to be conserve as much bodily moisture that the number of freezing days situated under desert shrubs, pro- as possible, the tortoise stores per year determines the length of viding some additional thermal and water in its bladder and does not the hibernaculum’s tunnel (Natural predator protection. The burrow in urinate during its active period (Bu- History Notes 2002). The burrows Mexico is usually a shallow hollow lova 1997). 7 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019
The males of all four species of of male desert tortoises may better Luckenbach, R. A. Ecology and Management of the Gopherus tortoises, the Bolson position them to compete directly Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in Califor- nia in North American Tortoises: Conservation tortoise (G. flavomarginatus), the with other males for available fe- and Ecology. 1982. Washington D.C.: U.S. Texas tortoise (G. berlandieri), the males (Bulova 1997). Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife gopher tortoise (G. polyphemus), Both male and female G. agassizii Service Wildlife Report 12. 1-37. and the desert tortoise (G. agassi- reacted to the presence of desert Wareham, D. C. 1993. The Reptile and Amphibian zii), possess glands on their lower tortoise feces in a burrow. Fecal Keeper’s Dictionary: an A–Z of Herpetology. New York, NY: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. jaws known to zoologists as sub- pellets in a burrow from a male tor- dentary glands, commonly known toise inhibited burrow use by other Zimmerman, L. C., M. P. O’Connor, S. J. Bulova, J. R. Spotila, S. J. Kemp , C. J. Salice. 1994. Thermal as “chin glands.” These chin glands male tortoises. Bulova concludes secrete a substance to which other ecology of desert tortoises. Herpetological that the male tortoises’ avoidance Monographs 8. 45-59. tortoises apparently respond. In of burrows with other males’ feces addition to being a visual cue as to present contributes to a healthy Electronic References a male’s maturity (i.e., readiness to distribution of male tortoises “Animals at the Extremes: Hibernation and Torpor.” OpenLearn - The Open University, n.d. Web. 6 mate), chin-gland secretions may throughout a given habitat (Bulova be an olfactory cue used in social Jan. 2009.
2019 CTTC Valley Chapter Annual Show
StoryTurtles, by Karen Berry; Tortoises, photos by Cristina Perovich and and Karen Gratitude Berry, Valley Chapter
mission of CTTC, the show also male Sulcata and Valley’s “official benefits the “sick and injured” greeter”, roamed the live exhibit fund that helps those turtles area with his chaperones, showing and tortoises with serious med- everyone that the world’s third ical issues, or may need long largest tortoise can be a wonder- term rehabilitation. A recent ful and friendly pet. Our members surge in vet costs inspired one exhibited not only desert tortois- of our members to create a es, but Texas tortoises, Russians, campaign to get our fundraising Leopards, Greeks, Red Foots, Wood underway. You can see her re- Turtle, Red-Eared Sliders, and more markable efforts at: exotic tortoises, such as Radiated Cristina Perovich and “Bubba”-Valley’s official greeter. https://www.gofundme.com/ and Star tortoises. As always, the sick-amp-injured-tortoise- hatchling and juvenile desert tor- fund as well as at: toise exhibit was a popular stop for CTTC Valley Chapter held its annual https://www.paypal.com/fund- our guests. educational and fundraising show raiser/charity/1627845 on May 18, 2019. With many thanks This is an ongoing effort, as we Visitors were very surprised to see to our first responders for all their currently have sev- representatives of the two largest dangerous and grueling work during eral desert tortoises the Woolsey Fire last November, that were left at the Chapter extended free admis- shelters and require sion to the show. Our two primary major surgery or other desert tortoise foster locations are procedures. located in areas which were under mandatory evacuation orders. The Show attendance was adoption team leader evacuated very good, many tick- a total of 33 tortoises to a house ets were purchased for in the Valley, where they had to another phenomenal raffle, and the Tortuga “GG” a Galápagos tortoise (left) and “Pandora” an Aldabra tortoise remain for almost 3 days until the (right), visitors from Santa Clarita Chapter evacuation order was lifted. Fortu- Gift Shop offered items nately, they were able to return to ranging from jewelry to books, tortoises in the world. “GG”, a young undamaged properties; those that handmade crafts, figurines, and Galápagos tortoise, and “Pando- could, resumed brumation (reptile ever-popular succulents and other ra”, a young Aldabra tortoise, both hibernation), and the medical pa- plants. New members joined the large, but not fully grown, came tients remained up and active. In chapter, and interested parties with members of the Santa Clarita addition to fulfilling the educational submitted adoption applications. Chapter, along with a young desert Dr. Kenneth Coscarelli, New- tortoise “Punkin”, a juvenile Galápa- bury Park Veterinary Clinic, gos tortoise named “Geronimo”, and who also treats many of our sick a Mud Turtle, which lives around or injured tortoises, staffed the water, but does not swim well. “Ask the Vet” booth, sharing his www.tortoise.org/santaclarita many years of experience and In addition to CTTC members, the expertise to answer questions following organizations joined us for on health and veterinary care. the fun, and not only helped make https://newburyparkvet. the show a success, but were able com/ to “get the word out” about other But you can’t have a “turtle animals that need the support of Dr. Kenneth Coscarelli from Newbury Park Vet Clinic and tortoise show” without the public. answers questions about turtle and tortoise health the stars. “Bubba”, an adult 9 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019 v American Tortoise Rescue - Su- amphibians for all to see. Putting together our annual show san Tellem and Marshall Thompson, http://www.swhs.org/ requires a lot of planning. Both our wonderful longtime friends veteran and newer members took and creators of “World Turtle Day”, part in the before, during, and af- celebrated in May each year, lost ter, working very hard together to everything in the Woolsey fire. Cur- make the show and our “Thank You” rently staying in a rented house, to first responders a big success. and working to get their home re- Many thanks to all of them !!! [ built, they have also been raising money to rebuild their turtle and tortoise sanctuary and to continue their mission of education about the plight of turtles and tortoises Southwestern Herpetologists Society members worldwide. www.tortoise.com brought snakes, lizards, amphibians to educate visitors
v Ghost Cat Publications rais- es awareness of coexistence with wildlife, and raises money through the sale of books about the local mountain lions, which, along with other animals, will benefit from the proposed wild animal crossing over the 101 freeway in the Calabasas/Agou- ra area. Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson-ATR-con- https://www.facebook.com/ Ghost Cat Publications raises awareness of living with tinuing their mission and rebuilding after GhostCatPublications/ wildlife and raises money for the proposed 101 freeway their home & turtle/tortoise sanctuary, were wild animal crossing. destroyed in the Woolsey fire. v Vickie Anderholdt, a local bunny rescuer, brought a num- v Friends of California Condors ber of rabbits available for adoption, Wild and Free, affiliated with US including an unusual Angora rabbit, Fish & Wildlife, teaches people and emphasized the need for more “forever homes” for bunnies. www.adoptabunnyrabbit.org A big thank you to these won- derful organizations, and we hope they will join us again next year.
Friends of California Condors teach people about conservation of this magnificent bird and efforts to increase their numbers in the wild. Tim Perovich, raffle organizer, has reason for a big smile—another about the preservation of these very successful raffle. magnificent birds, and assists in efforts to increase their numbers in the wild. www.friendsofcondors.org See pages 10-11 v Southwestern Herpetologists for more photos of Society is an organization dedicat- the staff and ex- ed to education regarding reptiles hibitors who helped and amphibians, their preservation The bunny rescue of Vickie Anderholt (on the right) make the 2019 and rescue, and brought an as- focuses attention on the need for “forever homes” for event so successful. sortment of snakes, lizards, and the large number of unwanted rabbits. 10 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019
Gallery of Photographs
CaptionsTurtles, by Karen Berry; Tortoises, photos by Cristina Perovich and and KarenGratitude Berry, Valley Chapter
Brent Haffey, aka “The Yard Check King”, provided adoption informa- Jodi Inzerella and Howard Suer greeted visitors at the tion and recruited many prospective adopters. front gate.
Local veterinarians, businesses, and chapter members donated great prizes for our raffle.
Barbara Devries, raffle team, sold tickets for Kirk Weber taught visitors about exotic anther high-earning raffle. tortoises.
Sioux Ratkovic’s display of baby desert tortoises is one of the most popular booths Bob Hazard, aka “Bob the Builder”, discussed at the show. various kinds of turtle and tortoise housing with visitors. 11 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019
Handmade items, books, and plants were popular sales items in the Tortuga Gift Shop.
From the left, Maggie Elliot, Cristina Perovich, and Maria Kennedy. “The Russians are Coming!!”
Ruth Dewar and Maggie Elliot displayed a wood turtle and Russian tortoises.
“Geronimo”, a juvenile Galápagos tortoise visiting from Santa Clarita chapter.
Jeannine Porter displayed both Texas tortoises and red-eared sliders.
Elaine Miller, keeper of Gimpy the desert tortoise.
Gimpy the desert tortoise. Elaine Miller and Gimpy Members of Santa Clarita Chapter displayed “Pun- teach an important lesson on kids and proper kin”,a juvenile desert tortoise. behavior toward tortoises 12 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019
Mike’s Turtle Net Picks by Michael J. Connor, Ph.D. A varied selection of recent articles, stories and sites on the Web that some of you may find as interesting as I did. This list is also posted on tortoise.org/turtlenetpicks/turtlenetpicks.html
First Sighting of Impressed Tortoises in India Sea Turtles Nesting Earlier A population of impressed tortoises has been discovered in Climate change has brought the earliest recorded start to northeastern India. the sea turtle nesting season in South Carolina. First Captive Breeding of Asian Giant Tortoises in Columbus Zoo Honors Karen Eckert Bangladesh The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium awarded Dr. Karen Manouria emys are being bred at Bhawal National Park to Eckert, the executive director of the Wider Caribbean Sea augment the Chittagong Hill Tracts population. Turtle Conservation Network, its biennial Commitment to Chimps Prey on a Hinge-back Tortoise Conservation Award. Congratulations to Dr. Eckert! For the first time, wild chimpanzees have been filmed killing Protecting Rare Species Benefits Human Life and eating a reptile — in this case an unfortunate hinge- Improving our understanding of how rare species help back tortoise. (WARNING, THE VIDEO IS QUITE GRAPHIC) support human lives and well-being. Yangtze Giant Softshell Imperiled What Turtles Can Teach Us The only captive female Yangtze Giant Softshell has died. Study using heart muscle cells from snapping turtles Biologists hope there may still be other females in the wild. explains how the turtles survive long periods under water Conservation Genetics of Dahl´s Toad-‐headed Turtle without oxygen and offers new approaches to protect The critically endangered Meso- humans at risk of heart attack and protect organs for clemmys dahli has lost most of its natural habitat due to transplantation. severe habitat modification. Restoring gene flow is key to its Wildlife Rehabbers Using Bra Clasps to Repair Injured conservation. Turtles’ Shells Tracking Kirby the Loggerhead Never underestimate the ingenuity of wildlife rehabilitators! Follow radio-tagged loggerheads and other sea turtles as CTTC on Facebook they go about their business. For breaking news updates visit and “like” us on Facebook! Pacific Green Sea Turtle Populations Are Recovering • New study finds that conservation efforts have in- creased green sea turtle density around Pacific Islands. • The research paper is available online.
A green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, and a Ha- waiian monk seal, Neomonachus schauinslandi, enjoy a mid-afternoon nap on a pristine beach in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Located in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument comprises more than 580,000 square miles (1,502 square kilometers) of ocean and atolls, protecting the ecosystem and its inhabitants. Additional information about this World Heritage site is available online at the official website: https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov Photo by Mark Sullivan/NOAA. Public domain. 13 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019 14 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019 the Indian Fig, a.k.a. Prickly Pear, Opuntia ficus-indica Turtle’s Garden The Nutritional Content of antin or che onians by M A Cohen Prickly Pears and Pads
esistant to drought, adaptable plantations. The species has been Rto a diverse array of climates, cultivated or has naturalized and uncommonly nutritious: these in frost-free areas worldwide, are only some of the desirable including Africa, Asia, Australia, qualities possessed by the Indian the Mediterranean region, and the Fig, Opuntia ficus-indica. Middle East. At least 150 recognized species In addition to being a food crop, O. exist in the genus Opuntia, and ficus-indica is grown as a host for members of the genus are collec- the cochineal insect, a scale insect tively called opuntiads. The name that lives on the surface of the Opuntia is derived from Opus, the prickly pads. The female cochineal name of a city in ancient Greece insect secretes carminic acid, where an edible plant grew that likely as a defensive mechanism. was propagated by rooting its This substance is collected and “leaves.” processed to produce a red dye for The current article will focus on fabrics, cosmetics, and food. Opuntia ficus-indica. Also known The Prickly Pear The ripe fruit of Opuntia ficus-indica,commonly by the common names cactus called a cactus pear, prickly pear, or cactus fig in Botanically, the prickly pear is a fig, Barbary fig, cactus pear, and English. The Spanish word for this fruit is tuna. fleshy berry that contains a “high prickly pear, Opuntia ficus-indica Photo © 2010 by H. Zell. Source: Wikimedia number of important nutrients... is a true cactus, a member of the Commons; license: CC-BY-SA 3.0. [including] betalains, vitamins, Cac taceae family of succulent minerals, amino compounds, and plants. antioxidants.” The composition According to Opuntiaweb, Indian of the prickly pear is typically fig “is actually a collection of “85% water, 15% sugar, 0.3% Opuntia cultivars rather than a ash [ed. note: minerals], and less discrete species.” It was originally than 1% protein,” as stated by domesticated by plant breeders Cota-Sanchez. for use as livestock forage for The pulp of the prickly pear is com its relatively spineless pads and parable in flavor to watermelon, fruit, its ability to thrive in arid and its sugar components are pri- and semi-arid climates, and its marily glucose and fructose in abundant nutritional attributes. Edible cactus leaves, also called cactus pads approximately equal amounts. The At least four species of Opuntia or prickly pads in English. The Spanish word for oval-shaped fruit, typically 1 to 3 were selectively bred in the these pads is nopales. The botanical term for centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) or domestication of O. ficus-indica, these flattened stems in cladodes. Photo by the larger in length, occurs in various which, according to Cota-Sanchez, Centers for Disease Control. Public domain. colors, including white, yellow, red, is the “most agro-economically green, orange, and purple. These important” member of the genus Foraging for wild Opuntia by pre- colors are due to the presence of Opuntia. historic peoples may have started betalains, natural, water-soluble, as early as 12,000 years ago. However, Opuntia species have non-toxic plant pigments that are been an essential part of Latin Developed in central Mexico, antioxidants and also have other American culinary and medicinal O. ficus-indica is now grown beneficial properties. traditions for as many as 8,000 throughout North, Central and The flesh of the prickly pear is a to 9,000 years of cultivation. South America on large and small de lectable source of vitamins and 15 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019 minerals of nutritional importance. The method of prepa- Scientific analysis of the fruit’s pulp ration was the same reveals the presence of valuable for all ages of cladodes: vitamins such as vitamin C (ascor- thorough cleaning and bic acid), vitamin E, vitamin K, and disinfecting the pads, beta-carotenes, as well as trace drying the tissue using amounts of several B vitamins. a vacuum system, and Important minerals include calci- grinding the dessicated um, magnesium, phosphorus, and tissue into a powder potassium. on which the chemical Research has identified various analysis was performed. antioxidants in O. ficus-indica, The research team’s including several flavinoids and findings reveal that the pectin, in addition to the aforemen- protein content of all tioned ascorbic acid, betalains, and stages of prickly pads carotenoids. was low, similar to other vegetables. Protein Flower, flower bud and cactus pad of the Opuntia ficus-indica ‘Bur- In the African Journal of Biotech- bank’s Spineless’ developed by American botanist Luther Burbank nology, Chiteva and Wairagu synthesis appears (1849-1926) in the early 20th century. After flowering, a sweet, ed- published the results of their study to be related to the ible fruit will develop. This horticultural cultivar is a nearly spineless variety of prickly pear that was originally hybridized for use as cattle of the nutritional values present in availability of water as well as air temperature fodder. Photo © 2006 by George Hull. Source: Creative Commons; prickly pears grown in the African license: CC-BY-SA-2.5. nation of Kenya. Results of their and amount of sunlight and darkness. efforts were consistent with the around 100 days and flattened out findings of researchers in North As with other vegetables, carbohy- thereafter. Phosphorus, manga- America regarding the nutritional drates were the primary element nese, and zinc values showed no profile of prickly pears. comprising the prickly pads. Older difference related to age. Based on Chiteva and Wairagu also note that, pads contained higher carbohy- their increase in calcium content, while “nutritional composition...var- drate content than younger pads. prickly pads are best consumed ies with respect to age, postharvest Like most vegetables, prickly pads when they are more mature. had a low fat content overall, and handling and season,“ the prickly The research of Hernández-Urbiola the fat levels in the pads dropped pear represents a “good natural et al. suggests that the mineral even more as they aged. reservoir“ of nutrition, especially content of prickly pads depends on given the absence of the toxic Calcium content of prickly pads these factors: soil and water pH, elements lead and cadmium in the doubled as the pads aged, and iron availability of water, and the texture mineral profile ofO. ficus-indica content also increased with age. and components of the soil in which fruits. Magnesium levels rose somewhat the cactus grows. [ The Prickly Pad References In a detailed scientific study Chiteva, R. and Wairagu, N. (2013). Chemical published in the International and nutritional content of Opuntia ficus-in- dica (L.). African Journal of Biotechnology, Journal of Environmental [online] 12(21), pp.3309-3312. Available at: Research and Public Health in http://www.academicjournals.org/AJB 2011, Hernández-Urbiola et al. Cota-Sanchez, J. H. Nutritional Composition analyzed the nutritional content of the Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) of O. ficus-indica pads grown Fruit, (2016). In: Simmonds, M.S.J., Preedy, organically on a nopalera (i.e., a V.R. (Eds.), Nutritional Composition of Fruit Cultivars. 1st ed. Academic Press, prickly pear plantation) in Silao, pp.691–712. Guanajuato, Mexico. The focus Hernández-Urbiola, M., Pérez-Torrero, E. and of their research was the nu- Rodríguez-García, M. (2011), 8. Chemical tritional values of ten groups of Analysis of Nutritional Content of Prickly prickly pads at “differing stages Pads (Opuntia ficus-indica) at Varied Ages of growth maturity” ranging from in an Organic Harvest. In Int. J. Environ. Res 40 days to 135 days. Public Health, pp.1287-1295. Opuntiaweb. (n.d.). Opuntia ficus-indica. Mature O. ficus-indicagrowing in Secunderabad, India. Photo Fresh, young prickly pads are [online] Available at: https://www.opun- © 2008 by J. M. Garg. Source: Creative Commons; license: tiads.com/opuntia-ficus-indica. known botanically as cladodes. CC-BY-SA-3.0. 16 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019
Meetings and Programs Click on your Chapter’s website link for the latest program information. Programs may be scheduled after newsletter publication.
Chino Valley Santa Barbara-Ventura 19 July; 16 August Contact the chapter for meeting Foothill information. 26 July; 23 August Santa Clarita High Desert 20 July 8 July; 12 August TOOSLO (San Luis Obispo) Inland Empire 16 July; 20 August 5 July; 2 August TTCS (Long Beach) Kern County 19 July; 16 August 8 July; 12 August Valley Low Desert 19 July; 16 August Juvenile Morafka’s desert tortoise, Gopherus 5 August morafkai, with an Opuntia cactus laden with Executive Board fruit. Public domain. Orange County 13 July. Meetings take place at the 12 July; 9 August Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia, CA. Ridgecrest 8 July; 12 August 17 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019 2019 California Turtle & Tortoise Club Directory Executive Board Kern County Chapter Santa Clarita Chapter General Information: General Information: President: George Ordway [email protected] [email protected] Secretary: Jennifer Fields Chair: Don Williams President/membership: Treasurer/membership/adoptions: Vice-chair: Robyn Kohr Heather Ponek Abigail DeSesa Treasurer: Javier Gonzalez Vice president: Tim Brennan Meeting: Third Saturday of Meeting: quarterly (January, April, Secretary: Lisa Marriott-Smith odd-numbered months at 6:30 July and October) at 10 am at the Treasurer: Kathy Studer pm at Valencia United Methodist Los Angeles County Arboretum, Adoptions: Church, 25718 McBean Pkwy, 301 No. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, Richard Marriott-Smith Valencia, California 91355 CA 91007 Meeting: Second Monday, 6:30 pm at St. Philip of the Apostle TOOSLO (San Luis Obispo) Chap- Chino Valley Chapter Church, St. Ann’s Room (east side ter President: Lynda Misiak of church), 7100 Stockdale Hwy (on President: Brandon Froelicher Vice president: David Bowman the north side, between Ashe and Vice president: Brian Kusko Secretary/treasurer/adoptions: Gosford), Bakersfield, CA 93309 Treasurer/membership/adoptions: Jim Misiak Lola McAulay Low Desert Chapter Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at Meeting: Second Wednesday, 7:00 General Information: Chino Girl Scout House, 5007 Cen- pm at PG&E Community Center, ter Street, Chino, CA 91710 Tony Vaninetti 6588 Ontario Road, San Luis Obis- Secretary: Marlies Dietrich po, CA 94505 Foothill Chapter Adoptions: Bill Powers President: Robin Robb Meeting: First Monday of every Turtle & Tortoise Care Society Vice president: Joanna Bolt even-numbered month 7:00 pm at (Long Beach) Chapter Secretary: Mardy Graves The Living Desert Reserve, 47-900 President: Richard Roosman Treasurer/membership: Portola, Palm Desert, CA 92260- Vice president: John Kim Jeanette Lea 6156 Secretary/Membership: Meeting: Fourth Friday, 7:30 pm at Anita De Leon Los Angeles County Arboretum, Orange County Chapter Treasurer: John Wong General Information: 301 No. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at CA 91007 [email protected] University Baptist Church, 3434 President/membership: Chatwin, Long Beach, CA 90808- High Desert Chapter Stephanie Roberts 2613 President/adoptions: Dave Zantiny Vice president: Richard Montagna Secretary/adoptions: Mary Dutro Secretary: Joyce Keyak Valley Chapter Meeting: Second Monday, 7:00 Treasurer: Marian Bronston President: Bob Hazard pm at Sterling Inn Regency Room, Meeting: Second Friday, 7:30 pm at Treasurer: Karen Berry 17738 Francesca Road, Victorville, Grand Street Center (First Presby- Adoptions: Valley Adoption Team CA 92395 terian Church), 146 N. Grand Street, Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at Orange, CA 92866 Woodland Hills Christian Church, Inland Empire Chapter 5920 Shoup Ave., Woodland Hills, President: Monica Dirac Ridgecrest Chapter CA 91367-3327 Vice president: Richard Roosman President: Robert Parker Corresponding Secretary: Vice president: Sue Parker Amy Taylor Adoptions: Montynne Yates NOTE: The postal mailing ad- Treasurer: Robyn Kohr Meeting: Second Monday, 7:30 pm dresses for each Chapter are Meeting: First Friday, 7:30 pm at at Maturango Museum, 100 East listed on the last page of this “The Ark” Church of the Nazarenes Las Flores Ave., Ridgecrest, CA newsletter. in the Fellowship Hall in Young Hall, 93555 1307 East Citrus Avenue, Redlands, CA 92374 Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter President: Don Williams Meeting: Contact the Chapter for meeting information. 18 Tortuga Gazette 55(4) • July/August 2019
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