California & Club the Tortuga Gazette Dedicated to Turtle & Tortoise Preservation, Conservation and Education Volume 54, Number 4 July/August 2018

Sonoran or Morafka’s , morafkai. Photo by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Public domain. Morafka's Desert Tortoise, Gopherus morafkai (Murphy, Berry, Edwards, Leviton, Lathrop & Riedle, 2011) Gung-ho for GOMO by Roger A. Repp he preparation phase for this I had my scientific permits, my car- I have not personally processed a tor- particular column led me to a apace notching files, my datasheets, toise since the year 2001, there has T file cabinet drawer that has not my mass-measuring scales, my ruler, been no further need to open that been opened in over 15 years. Said my epoxy and my license plates all drawer--until now. drawer contains endless files of raw stuffed into my backpack with every We should address some of the data on the that were pro- field outing. And off I would go as- finer nuances of the tortoises in the cessed on my turf through my early sailing every tortoise hapless enough Tucson area before moving any herping years in Arizona. That’s right, to be in my path. There were many, further along with the narrative. The gentle readers, there was a time that and that is why I have an entire file local clade has recently been reclas- I was a genuine tortoise researcher. drawer stuffed with datasheets. As sified as the Sonoran Desert Tortoise 2 July/August 2018

C Gung-ho for GOMO by Roger A. Repp 1 O The Turtle’s Garden: Yuccas of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert 6 N Mike’s Turtle Net Picks by Michael J. Connor, Ph. D. 8 T In Memoriam: Speed Bump by Karen Berry 10 CTTC Directory 11 E Celebrating , Tortoises, and the Armed Forces by Karen Berry and Cristina Perovich 12 N Valley Chapter’s 2018 Annual Show Photo Gallery 13 T Study: Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles Protected by Endangered Act Are Recovering 14 S Meetings and Programs 15

(Gopherus morafkai). There is a little who were involved with removing ten volunteered to assist the various nomenclature trick that I have ad- wild tortoises from the hillsides of a researchers involved with GOMO opted from the local researchers that local mining corporation that was go- work on their various plots. In some combines the first two letters of the ing to mow said hillsides down. Over cases, we were following radio-trans- with the first two letters of the time, we saved 17 different GOMO mittered individuals around. In other species for any given or plant from certain death in the process, cases, various grad students visited species. Instead of writing “Sonoran not to mention three Gila Monsters my spots with me, and processed Desert Tortoise (Gopherus morafkai)” (Heloderma suspectum), or HESU,­ as some of the tortoises there. By many times over for this column, I those hillsides are now deep gorg- summer of 1995, I got involved with can simply use this little four letter es. But on these outings, we were three researchers who were working trick of theirs by simply calling them playing a simple game of find and full time for the University of Arizona “GOMO.” remove. What was learned here was as freelance herpetologists. None We should also mention be- how to find a very cool herp. There of these three actually ever moved fore continuing that nobody loves have since been many variations of up the corporate ladder of GOMO- GOMO more than I. There might be what to do with them when they are dom, being instead content to move some who love them as much, but found. on to other things when the money certainly not more. Throughout my During this period of time, GOMO ran out. It is out of respect for them formative years, I always kept at least was rapidly becoming the political that I mention them by name, for one tortoise of one sort or another. football herp of the Tucson Valley. In they were the first people who had And when I moved to Arizona, the short, there was money in GOMO enough trust and faith in me to get fact that I was now in a place where studies. And that money not only me a permit. They were Betsy Wirt, I could find one in the wild on any kept every local wildlife biologist Peter Holm, and Brent Martin. Brent given lucky day has never been taken who favored herp projects gainfully must have drawn the short straw for granted. I feel blessed and elated employed, it pulled in many new fac- between the three of them, for it was to live in a place that has them. By es from other states. Several of these on 27 August that he went out with loving the local variety of tortoises in wildlife biologists have since gone me to show me what was expected. such fashion, I can be called a “GO- on to successful careers with GO- After that, I was completely autono- MOphile.” (We can all be glad that MO-monitoring agencies as a result. mous with my tortoise work. Every the genus name for our local species Big shots they are now--and good on couple weeks, I copied my data- of tortoise does not start with an H. them, I say. Meanwhile, here was this sheets and handed them off to them. That could lead to some problematic author--fat, dumb, and happy, finding I only worked with this trio through misconceptions). scads of GOMO simply because he 1995, but remained heavily involved The event that set up the explosive liked seeing them. In time, the pros with GOMO work for six years after peak of my interest in wild popula- and I connected. I shared my spots that. That first summer of 1995, when tions of GOMO has already been with them, and they shared not only I was working with them, was by far documented in the March 1998 issue their money with me (not a lot—but the most enjoyable. of the Bulletin. In order to avoid the they didn’t get all that much either), For those unfamiliar with pro- risk of having hundreds of you injure but also got me what I really wanted. cessing tortoises, a description of yourselves in an all-out frenzy of And all that I really wanted was to be what is involved is in order. The first closet-clearing effort seeking that able to legally get my hands on them, thing that must happen is to have issue, allow me to briefly describe really get to know them, and mark the tortoise in hand. This is a pretty some of the contents. In February some of them for future reference. simple process when one finds one of 1991, I was part of a gang of four From 1993 through mid-1995, I of- on the move across open ground. Volume 54, Number 4 3

But it gets a lot more difficult if they vertebral scute, with the number The slopes of the peaks along the are in a burrow. The deeper in the inscribed by a magic marker. This rim of this half-bowl are south and burrow that they are, the harder they was also known as a license plate. As west-facing, so they gather sunlight are to remove. If I was able to touch these were the days before hand held for most of the day. This becomes them, I always succeeded in getting GPS units were readily available, the important in winter, as that is where them out. If they were in beyond my location of the tortoise was marked the majority of the GOMO head reach, I left them alone—and came on a contour map of the area being during that time period. The arable back later. Even though I was much worked. Weather conditions and var- soil that marches roughly mid-way leaner then, my size still limited me ious other climatic information were up the steep slopes is cluttered with from going after the really deep ones. also recorded on a formal datasheet, boulders great and small. Cutting Once in the hand, out came a stiff along with any circumstances consid- through the bowl of the terrain below caliper, which was used to measure ered interesting by the observer. We hillsides are a series of deep, steep length, width, and height at various will refer the reader to some titillating walled arroyos, the embankments of intervals along the carapace, dic- images of actual datasheets at the which are pockmarked with holes tated by the marginal and vertebral appropriate time in the text ahead. and mini-caves. This is where the GOMO go in the summer and fall. There were so many tortoises in these arroyos that Betsy was at first against adopt- ing the place, as she feared the burgeoning population there would reflect a biased and lopsided scorecard compared to normal patches of tortoise turf. But Peter and Brent wanted lots of tortoises, and talked Betsy into accepting the place. The Panther Peak Plot, as it would one day be named, yielded 110 different GOMO in just a one year timeframe! Throughout the remainder of the century, and on into Y2K, it became the play- ground for many up and coming tortoise Jedis. Enough! The previous ver- biage was all a sweet setup for what happened at Panther Peak The vanquished “Bad Day” is on the left, with the victor “Lion Bait” on the right. Photo by Roger Repp. Re- Plot on 1 October 1995. As we printed with permission from the photographer. begin the transition together scutes on the carapace. Next came As suggested earlier in the nar- to the actual event, we must first go the mass measurement. I learned rative, I basically handed some of one more step in the setup by asking to use bailing wire wrapped around my best GOMO turf over to the you all one long question. We have the shell of the tortoise, the other researchers. There was always a a young and extremely jacked up end of the wire being affixed to a positive payoff in this practice. Roger Repp, fully armed with sci- spring scale—much like those used Many GOMO that I was watching entific processing equipment, in the by fisherman. Next came using a wound up with a license plate and/ thick of a place that he knows is the triangular-shaped file, used to carve or notched marginal scales, which best GOMO spot ever, on a mission notches into the marginal scutes. made for much easier identification. to seek and mess with any GOMO Each marginal scute (or scale) had a The place that I showed Betsy, Peter, found--what could happen? unique number assigned to it via any and Brent was one of my favorite Since you all have just endured the number of clever marking schemes stomping grounds, simply because it long set up, I will just tell you now developed by the mathematically was absolutely infested with tortois- that I heard a thump, which led me inclined biologists. The last physical es. The situation is ideal for GOMO. to the ending of a Genuine Gung ho aspect of processing the tortoise There exists a semi-circular ring of GOMO Guys’ brawl. The victor had was to epoxy a small, rectangular rugged peaks that form the rim of a his left-front, elephantine-club of a piece of index card to the rear-most massive, natural-shaped half-bowl. foot planted on top of his uprighted 4 July/August 2018

Datasheets for the participants of the combat described in the text. The winner, #219, “Lion Bait,” is on the left, and the loser, #222, is on the right. All things considered, their sizes are similar, but #219 had the advantage of experience. Lion Bait was one spunky old dude! Reprinted with permission. vanquished foe, hooking his oppo- now time for the Gung ho GOMO- behind him. (In retrospect, that was nents’ left front leg in the process phile to mess with the dueling Gung rather stupid of me, but that is all and pinning him helplessly to the ho GOMO Guys. I am pleased history now). ground. Seeing the victor of this to report that the victor was not Meanwhile, I must try to grope up- contest was where the first notion of touched, as I had processed him the ward in the intelligence department “where the turtles are strong” came week previous. But for the van- so that I can relay to you what it was from. The camera that I carried at the quished, well, we can just say that like to be the vanquished GOMO on time was little more than a crappy it wasn’t his day. “Lion Bait,” as we this miserable day of his. We shall instamatic loaded with 35mm slide shall henceforth call the winner of call him “Bad Day,” as “Loser” seems film. But once every hundred or the bout, backed off the scene after a bit harsh. Here’s my take of what so times, a passable image would remaining frozen for many images. Bad Day was thinking at the point accidently occur. The first image He turned his back to me and slowly that I entered the scene: taken of the battle’s aftermath is not ambled off to a perfect soil burrow “Okay….I just got my ass kicked, only passable, but remains the best under a boulder roughly 1.5 meters and this jerk has me nailed to the image of GOMO combat to ever north of the epicenter of the battle’s ground. It’s hot here. This day can’t pass before my eyes. (See cover of conclusion. He likely knew what get any worse, right?” Bad Day sto- this issue, and for another angle, might be coming next, as we had ically endures the most humiliating figure 3). Indeed, when some of the already met. Hence, he sought the moments of the ass-kicking in silent local tortoise nerds saw this image, closest safe shelter to hunker down, depression, and then his brain wakes they accused me of posing it! That and remained there unmolested and up when there is suddenly a change would take some doing—and I have well-behaved. It should be men- to the situation. “Wow—he’s getting never had that sort of patience. No, tioned here that if there was a female off me? Cool! Thank you, kind sir. this photo opportunity, as well as the near the scene to trigger the trouble, But waitaminute! Here’s another jerk! subsequent images, were simply the she could have easily been behind A really big one! What’s up around result of more luck than brains. Lion Bait in the burrow. I was deeply here? One jerk leaves, a bigger jerk But at this point in the observation, respectful of Lion Bait, and never got arrives? What’s he doing now? Oh the “fun” was just beginning. It was close enough to that burrow to look no, is he going to mess with me? Volume 54, Number 4 5

He is going to mess with me! He’s the area. I was not marking tortoises action both times. It is my opinion touching me, whoa, he’s got me, is at that time, but a large carnivore of that with the Sonoran Desert variety he going to eat me now? Wee, that some sort—presumably a mountain of tortoises, combat is not a common tickles--no, what’s this? Ouch—stop lion, had marked him for me. Hence occurrence. Nevertheless, as one it!” And then one long 33 minute in the name “Lion Bait.” I hope that lion who is always seeking cool, it is my duration: “GAAA, no, please….no…. had permits! The datasheets, images, earnest hope to one day photograph no, not that¬¬--GAAAAAAAAAA!” and observer experience agree that the coolest of the cool: an all out Bad Day kept these thoughts to Bad Day is a much younger GOMO slug-fest between two equally sized himself. He mercifully remained fro- than Lion Bait. The younger GOMO male GOMO. Hey—it could hap- zen in the shell for all that followed. also outweighs the older. The young- pen! My mighty N of one with process- ster has a much more pronounced This author is pleased to report ing a losing participant in GOMO gular, which is the crowbar-shaped that while a few long term monitor- combat would lead me to believe bony prominence that projects out- ing plots still remain in this state, the that they are ready to be compliant. ward under the plastron just below overwhelming attention that the local He did not void during processing, the throat. His gular should have tortoises once received has died which is always considered a plus. given him an advantage, as Lion Bait down. To my knowledge, the last of When I finished with Bad Day, I was had only a nub of a gular left to fight the mass outings to the Panther Peak faced with a bit of dilemma. Put him with. Lion Bait was a tad longer in Plot stopped in 2003. I consider this back as found, or leave him with his carapace length, but otherwise, the a good thing. We now know how big feet on the ground? As suggested size of the participants was nearly they get, where they go, what they earlier, this was not his day. I left him equal. As soon as I relayed this info eat, when they reach sexual matu- in the exact spot and situation that he to Betsy, she told me that everything rity, fight and mate, where, when was found. I was confident that he she had read and heard indicated and how they nest. All the attention could flip himself over at will. Said that in such cases as this, the older, that they got for the ten year time confidence was seriously shaken more experienced tortoise almost span under discussion was a form of when I returned roughly two hours universally wins. Did you hear that, loving them to death. As I pack my later. Lion Bait was halfway between young sprouts? Old age and treach- datasheets back into the file draw- the burrow and his still overturned ery always trumps youth and skill. er from whence they came, I have opponent, facing him, and clearly Keep your wits about you before you arrived at the realization that the best moving toward him. I turned my go messing with any old guys, lest way to conserve GOMO is to just back to the scene, and left poor Bad you get the surprise of your lives! leave them the hell alone. They are Day for dead. My reason for leaving In closing, it should be added this doing fine without our “help.” This him upside down is because I didn’t was not a long, knockdown, drag is how I know that nobody loves want the rightful victor of this contest out fight. My own summation of the them more than I. There isn’t enough to have to fight again—and possibly situation is that it was one highly au- money in the world to interest me lose. What happened before I got dible “whump” and done. The blow in further disturbing them for any there was meant to happen, and any was likely delivered by a head-on purpose—scientific or otherwise. I meddling after that was messing with crash initiated by the old guy, who have made my peace with them, and what nature had ordained. But I must was no doubt charging downslope will keep all future admiration at a confess that I did not sleep well for at top speed to hit that youngster. He distance. several nights after. The first report likely knocked his younger counter- This here is Roger Repp, signing that 222 was still alive came in from part head-over heels in the process, off from Southern Arizona, where the UA gang the week following. This and quickly maneuvered to pin him. the turtles are strong, the snakes are news was most welcome! When this lone thump was heard, I handsome, and the lizards are all Please refer to the datasheets in was moving down a deep cut, and above average. r on page 4. Allow me to just pick off was already serendipitously moving Roger Repp is an avid field herpetologist based a few highlights, so we can keep the straight for it as it happened. It was in Tucson, Arizona, and a columnist who regu- caption brief. Lion Bait is on the left, a thunderously loud “whump”—as if larly contributes to the Bulletin of the Chicago Bad Day on the right. The image/ somebody raised a five pound boul- Herpetological Society. Prior to his recent re- tirement from the National Optical Astronomy datasheets also give the actual num- der above their head and slammed Observatory in Tucson, he served as the shop bers of #219 for Lion Bait, and #222 it to the ground. Had there been supervisor at the facility. for Bad Day. It should be mentioned any sparring, I would have heard a This article was originally published in the that, as noted on the datasheet, Lion sound similar to two coconuts being Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society Bait and I first met on 16 January of slammed against each other several 52(5):89-92, 2017. Reprinted with permission 1993. At that time, he was overwin- times. I have been close to GOMO from the author and from the editor of the Bulletin. tering upslope of this observation, battles on two other occasions, but and was the fifth GOMO found in also completely missed the sparring 6 July/August 2018 the Yuccas of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert u Yucca arizonica (Banana Yucca) Turtle’s u Yucca brevifolia (Joshua Tree) Garden u Yucca elata (Soaptree Yucca) planting for chelonians u Yucca schidigera (Mojave Yucca) by M A Cohen Yucca species are exceedingly full development. adaptable evergreen perennials, Unlike agaves, yuccas do not die and will thrive in many temperate, after flowering; instead yuccas pro- subtropical, and tropical landscapes duce new inflorescences each year worldwide if provided with proper providing there has been sufficient care. Species range from stemless rainfall or irrigation. rosettes to tree-like, branched forms. Yucca Moths and Pollination A brief description of the Sonoran Desert species follows. The current column profiles the four yucca species that are indig- enous to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona; however, these species are also endemic to other regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. With suitable The inflorescence of the Mojave Yucca, placement and care, these species, Yucca schidigera. Photographed near Ash except as noted, will grow in a vari- Creek Spring in the Calico Basin of the Spring Mountains in southern Nevada. Pho- ety of garden settings. to © 2008 by Stan Shebs. Source: Creative One note of caution: many yuccas Commons; license GFDLCC-BY-SA-3.0CC- bear leaves with an extremely sharp, BY-SA-2.5. Tegeticula, a species of yucca moth, rigid tips; in habitat, this armament depositing a pollen ball on the stigma of a erived from the Spanish/ serves to protect the plant from hun- yucca blossom. Photo © Sherwin Carlquist. gry . In some garden settings, Source: Creative Commons; license CC-BY- American Indian word yuca, SA-3.0. meaning cassava (Manihot the sharp leaf tips pose a risk to D people and pets. In these situations, esculenta), the genus Yucca compris- es nearly 50 species and numerous proper placement includes planting Yucca plants and yucca moths subspecies belonging to the Aspar- yuccas at a distance from paths, exist because of a remarkable sym- agaceae family. walkways, and other areas where biotic relationship—neither the plant Yuccas have been used extensively foot traffic occurs. Some gardeners nor the moth would survive without by humans for centuries for building choose to remove the sharp tips from the other. materials, food, and fiber. Yucca the leaves using a nail clipper or According to the caption for the species are endemic to an extensive pruning shears. photograph above, Sherwin Carlquist area within the Americas, ranging The Yucca Inflorescence writes, “The Tegeticula moth spends from southern Canada southward Like many other succulent species, its entire life in association with yuc- into Central America, including the yuccas produce white or creamy- ca plants. Here is a female Tegeticula Caribbean Islands. white, bell-shaped, edible flowers in that has rolled pollen into a ball and The word “yucca” serves as both an arrangement called an inflores- is depositing it on the stigma. It will the genus name (Yucca) and the cence, defined as a cluster of flowers then lay eggs in the ovary. The larvae common name (yucca) for this group grouped on a stalk occurring in will destroy only a part of the seeds, of succulent plants. Typically charac- several different configurations. which would not exist without the terized as a desert dweller, the habi- The minutiae of these flower pollination by the moth.” tats of the genus Yucca vary, ranging arrangements is beyond the scope of This caption describes the part- throughout the Americas from mon- this column; refer to a botanical text nership between yucca plants and tane habitats to true desert regions as for more details. The yucca inflo- yucca moths throughout their ranges. well as many and various ecosystems rescence typically bears dozens to Several species of yucca moths in between the those types. hundreds of individual blossoms at associate with the many species of Volume 54, Number 4 7 yuccas, providing invaluable pollina- forming sizable clusters of individual The Joshua tree forms new branch- tion service to the plants. The plants, plants. As with many other Yucca es following flowering; its short in turn, provide a “nursery” in which species, threadlike white fibers called inflorescence generally appears in the moths deposit their eggs, furnish- filaments curl away from the margins spring after a season of sufficient ing food and shelter for their larvae. of the blue-green leaves. rainfall. The Joshua tree flowers are Appearing in spring and summer bell-shaped and greenish-white to Edibility and Utilization of the on an inflorescence up to 2 feet (0.6 cream-colored. Yucca meters) tall, its edible flowers range If able, wildlife will consume the in size from 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 Soaptree Yucca Yucca elata, known by the com- blossoms and fruits fresh; wildlife centimeters) in diameter. Unlike most mon name of the soaptree yucca, is a eats fallen flowers and fruit as well. yucca inflorescences, the banana widespread species indigenous to the Native Americans used both fresh inflorescence remains within the southwestern deserts of the United and dried blossoms and fruit as food. rosette of leaves, or rises only slightly States and northern Mexico. They utilized the fibers of the leaves above them. and trunk for weaving items such as The trunk and roots of the soaptree baskets, rope, and horse blankets. yucca contain toxic saponins, sub- For uses of yucca saponins, see the stances that, when combined with section on the soaptree yucca. water, foam up and produce a soap. The common name of the species Arizona’s yucca species derives from the Native American Banana Yucca practice of extracting these saponins to use for cleaning their clothing and hair.

A Joshua Tree, Yucca brevifolia, photo- graphed on the Joshua Tree Scenic Road in Arizona. Photo 2008 by Adrião. Source Creative Commons; license GFDL- CC-BY-SA-4.0,3.0,2.5,2.0,1.0.

Joshua Tree Native to western Arizona, south- eastern California, southern Nevada, Banana yucca, Yucca arizonica (=baccata). southwestern Utah, and northern Photo of leaves, spent flowers, and edible Baja California, the iconic Joshua fruit. Photographed in Kyle Canyon, in the Y. brevifolia Spring Mountains of southern Nevada. Pho- tree, , is a tree-shrub to © 2005 by Stan Shebs. Source: Creative form of yucca, typically displaying Commons; license GFDLCC-BY-SA-3.0; multiple branches. Generally reach- CC-BY-SA-2.5. ing a height of 15 to 50 feet (5 to 15 meters) at maturity, the Joshua tree Formerly known as Yucca baccata grows slowly in desert landscapes in subspecies arizonica, Y. arizonica dry soils with excellent drainage. Y. owes one of its common names to brevifolia will not fare well in ordi- its fleshy, edible, banana-shaped nary garden conditions. fruit that grows up to 6 inches (15 With spine-tipped leaves up to centimeters) long. Another common 16 inches (40 centimeters) in length name is Spanish bayonet, describing grouped close to the ends of the the shape of its leaves, each of which branches, the Joshua tree is typically The soaptree yucca, photographed at the terminates in a rigid, sharp spine. the only arborescent (treelike) plant Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Arizona. The banana yucca grows as a Photo © 2009 by Bernard Gagnon. Source: species in much of its range, forming Creative Commons; license: GFDL- stemless rosette of blue-green leaves sizable woodlands above 3,000 feet CC-BY-SA-3.0,2.5,2.0,1.0 up to 3 feet (0.9 meter) tall with (900 meters) of elevation. equal or greater spread, through time Column concludes on page 16 u 8 July/August 2018

Mike’s Turtle Net Picks by Michael J. Connor, Ph.D. 2018 Show Schedule A varied selection of recent articles, stories and sites on the Web that some of you may find 21 July: Inland Empire as interesting as I did. This list is also posted at tortoise.org/turtlenetpicks Annual Show at Redlands Outside LED Lamps Affect Sea Clark County Want to Develop Senior Citizens Center, 111 Turtles | Increasing use of LED More Desert Tortoise Habitat | W. Lugonia Ave., Redlands, lamps may be affecting sea turtles, Over the opposition of both conser- CA; 10 am–3 pm. salmon, and birds, but the good news vationists and OHVers, Clark County is that amber and green LEDs have commissioners approved a resolution less impacts. on June 19 calling for federal legisla- North Carolina Organization tion to open more than 44,000 acres Request for Information and of public land for new development Aims to Offer Free Amber LEDs | Photos for an Article about Hatteras Island Ocean Center is rais- between Sloan and Jean. Max and Lillian Greene ing money through a GoFundMe to Uncommon Indiana Turtles | Max and Lillian Greene raised purchase amber LED bulbs to install Short story on the rarely seen turtles a variety of tortoises at their home free of charge to locals to mitigate of the Hoosier State. near Ojai, in Meiners Oaks, CA. harmful beach lighting Link: HIOC GoFundMe page New Jersey Chooses State They called their place “Turtletown,” | And the winner is — the sometimes spelled “Turtle Town.” Understanding Pacific Leather- endangered bog turtle. Many of us CTTC members visited backs Informative and well filmed | Turtletown and were treated to talks NOAA Fisheries video on Pacific Black Spotted Turtles Suffering by Lillian and a tour of their collec- leatherback turtles. Massive Illegal Trade | “At least 10,321 live Black Spotted Turtles, tion. I am hoping that some members Marine Plastic Threatens Leath- Geoclemys hamiltonii were confiscat- might have taken photographs while erbacks | Autopsy of young female ed in 53 seizures between April 2014 visiting Turtletown, and if so, would leatherback finds 13 gallon plastic bag and March 2016.” you be willing to share copies of in her intestine. New Fossil From them? Any photographs will receive Turtle Odyssey 3D Turtle Odyssey | Alabama and Mississippi | Paper full photo credit in the article. 3D follows the life of an Australian describes new species of sea turtle I would also like to receive any named Bunji and her recollections or anecdotes you might incredible journey across the open — named Peritresius martini — have of your visit for a future article ocean. Narrated by Russell Crowe. from the Mississippi Embayment. in the Gazette. Cincinnati Zoo Galapagos Tor- CTTC On Facebook | For breaking news updates, visit and “like” us on The Greenes started their involve- toises Get Roomier Home | Video ment with tortoises when Max re- of Galapagos tortoises (and their Facebook! tired. Lillian kept Turtletown going by keeper) settling in to their new exhibit herself after his death in 1993 until space at Cincinnati Zoo. she died in 1999. Land Bill Threatens Desert Please send your responses di- Tortoise Habitat in Utah’s Red rectly to Ralph Hoekstra via email at Cliff’s Reserve | Audio report on [email protected] Utah congressman’s bill to build a highway through Red Cliffs Reserve. , the black spotted, the black turtle, Geoclemys hamiltonii Assam, Ghat, photographed India. Biswanath at at Source: Naniwadekar. Rohit by Photo © 2014 CC-BY-SA-4.0. Commons; license: Creative Volume 54, Number 4 9 10 July/August 2018

text and photographs by Karen Berry Many of you know staff called his vet, con- Speed Bump, the sulting him regarding desert tortoise who had the symptoms that she been struck by a car, saw. They agreed that and survived with some while it could have an- help from his new other cause somehow friends at CTTC’s Valley connected to the orig- Chapter. You may have inal injury, it appeared seen him at meetings, to be heart-related, at events, and he is possibly something currently on the flyer similar to congestive for this year’s Valley heart failure in humans chapter show. He has and mammals. She told been a poster child me he might not make for the efforts of the it through the night. Valley adoption team Speed Bump on his “skateboard.” After a comprehensive to rehabilitate animals discussion with the that come in to us and an audience, instantly became more vet, and a call to our require medical intervention. Some interactive with everybody, most chapter President, it was decided that are very seriously injured and may recently at the Chatsworth Nature it was more humane to let him go, have required surgery, or are ill, and Center Open House on April 7th. He rather than him endure the suffering need a long time to recover, if they was featured with other tortoises in a from these worsening attacks. As we are going to. Most have survived, and PowerPoint presentation on “Rehabil- sat together alone in the exam room, others have not. Speed Bump had itation”, and traveled to the chapters and I said goodbye to him, seeing to be humanely euthanized Tuesday where it was presented, where other his distress made it more obvious night, April 17th, after a long battle to CTTC members fell in love with him, that it was the right thing to do for recover from his initial injuries, and too. His last public appearance was him, as painful as it was to make that a new development that started on April 9th, when we did the Rehabili- decision. New Year’s Eve. He has crossed the tation presentation for the Ridgecrest Speed Bump represented one of rainbow bridge to somewhere where chapter, and he made some new the great things about CTTC, and he is free from pain or suffering, and friends. what we do for the unfortunate the good memories of him as the While he made great progress animals who come into our care. It’s great little guy he was, will live on as far as walking and grazing on a cornerstone of one of our multiple for those of us who knew and loved his own, with a few bumps in the missions, and inspired by tortoises him. road, he developed an issue that we like Speed Bump, our work will con- He was a vibrant, easy-going were not able to resolve. On New tinue. Rest in Peace, Speed Bump. young tortoise, who never once gave Year’s Eve, he was rushed to Conejo We will never forget you. r up, kept a “can do” attitude, and Valley Vet Hospital, for difficulty found a place in my heart and that of breathing. He became weaker as many other members. Because of the his ability to take in air lessened. damage to his back end, he was un- He stabilized when fluid was able to put weight on his back legs, removed from his bladder, and or walk. He used his front legs to pull his breathing normalized. He had himself around on the “skateboard”. an additional lesser “attack” in It was six months before he could February, but the worst was this negotiate under his own power, but past Tuesday evening, causing he kept trying. the greatest amount of stress We took him to many events, he and potential suffering. He again attracted a large crowd, had numer- was rushed to the hospital on an ous photos taken of him, and with emergency basis, and the vet on Volume 54, Number 4 11 2018 California Turtle & Tortoise Club Directory

Executive Board Inland Empire Chapter Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter General Information: President: Monica Dirac President: Don Williams [email protected] Vice president: Richard Roosman Adoptions: Wes Shipway Chair: Abigail DeSesa Secretary: Vendy Martin Meeting: Contact the Chapter for meet- Vice-chair: Dave Zantiny Treasurer: Robyn Kohr ing information. Secretary: Richard Roosman Meeting: First Friday, 7:30 pm at “The Treasurer: Javier Gonzalez Ark” Church of the Nazarenes in the Santa Clarita Chapter Meeting: quarterly (January, April, July Fellowship Hall in Young Hall, 1307 East President: George Ordway and October) at 11 am the Los Angles Citrus Avenue, Redlands, CA 92374 Secretary: Jennifer Fields County Arboretum, 301 No. Baldwin Treasurer/membership/adoptions: Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91007 Kern County Chapter Abigail DeSesa President: Heather Ponek Meeting: Third Saturday of odd-num- Cen-Val Chapter Vice president/membership: bered months at 6:30 pm at Valencia President/vice president: Robert Scott Javier Gonzalez United Methodist Church, 25718 Mc- Treasurer: Diana Gatti Secretary: Gina Mattson Bean Pkwy, Valencia, California 91355 Meeting: Second Thursday, 7:00 pm at Meeting: Second Monday, 6:30 pm at St. Fresno Unified School District, Del Mar Philip of the Apostle Church, St. Ann’s TOOSLO (San Luis Obispo) Chapter Elementary School, 4122 N. Del Mar Room (east side of church), 7100 Stock- President: Brandon Froelicher Avenue, Fresno, CA 93704 (no meeting dale Hwy (on the north side, between Vice president: Brian Kusko in July or August, as school is closed) Ashe and Gosford), Bakersfield, CA Secretary: Lisa Winn 93309 Treasurer: Kimberly LaMar Chino Valley Chapter Adoptions: Bob Thomas President: Jim Misiak Low Desert Chapter Meeting: Second Wednesday, 7:00 pm at Vice president: David Bowman General Information: Tony Vaninetti PG&E Community Center, 6588 Ontario Secretary/treasurer/adoptions: Secretary: Marlies Dietrich Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 94505 Lynda Misiak Adoptions: Bill Powers Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at Chino Meeting: First Monday of every Turtle & Tortoise Care Society (Long Girl Scout House, 5007 Center Street, even-numbered month 7:00 pm at The Beach) Chapter Chino, CA 91710 Living Desert Reserve, 47-900 Portola, President: Richard Roosman Palm Desert, CA 92260-6156 Secretary/Membership: Anita De Leon Foothill Chapter Treasurer: John Wong President: Robin Robb Orange County Chapter Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at Univer- Vice president: Joanna Bolt General Information: sity Baptist Church, 3434 Chatwin, Long Secretary: Mardy Graves [email protected] Beach, CA 90808-2613 Treasurer/membership: Jeanette Lea President/membership: Stephanie Meeting: Fourth Friday, 7:30 pm at Los Roberts Valley Chapter Angeles County Arboretum, 301 No. Vice president: Richard Montagna President: Bob Hazard Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91007 Secretary: Joyce Keyak Treasurer: Karen Berry Treasurer: Marian Bronston Adoptions: Valley Adoption Team High Desert Chapter Meeting: Second Friday, 7:30 pm at Grand Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at Wood- President/adoptions: Dave Zantiny Street Center (First Presbyterian Church), land Hills Christian Church, 5920 Shoup Secretary/adoptions: Mary Dutro 146 N. Grand Street, Orange, CA 92866 Ave., Woodland Hills 91367-3327 Meeting: Second Monday, 7:00 pm at Sterling Inn Regency Room, 17738 Fran- Ridgecrest Chapter cesca Road, Victorville, CA 92395 President: Robert Parker NOTE: The postal mailing ad- Vice president: Sue Parker dresses for each Chapter are Adoptions: Montynne Yates listed on the last page of this newsletter. Meeting: Second Monday, 7:30 pm at Maturango Museum,100 East Las Flores Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555

Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. — Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. (1858-1919), American statesman and writer 12 July/August 2018 Celebrating Turtles, Tortoises, and the Armed Forces Story by Karen Berry; photos by Cristina Perovich & Karen Berry, Valley Chapter CTTC Valley Chapter held its annual and scored an interview with KNBC, educational and fundraising show Ch. 4, for their 11:00 am news May 19, 2018, and, since it was program, with host Michelle Valles. also Armed Forces Day, honored Our President, Bob Hazard, gave our military, both active duty and the interview, “assisted” by Lefty, veterans, with free admission to the Sheldon, and one of our hatchlings, show. designated “T.O.” Fortunately, all three tortoises were consummate professionals, and nobody made a mess on the p Jodi Inzerella (left) and Howard Suer (right) –our front gate staffers. table or on the host. But was this interview going to help bring people veteran members who took part in to the show, and help us meet our the before, during, and after, worked educational and financial goals ??? very hard together to make our You can check out the KNBC show and salute to the Armed Forc- interview online: https://www. es a rousing success. Many thanks to nbclosangeles.com/news/local/ all of them !!! r Clear-the-Shelters_-Amputee-Tur- p KNBC news host Michelle Valles and tle_-Baby-Turtles-Need-Homes_ Valley President Bob Hazard on set. Los-Angeles-482706371.html The day had been greatly antic- Show day started out overcast, ipated, for the opportunity to raise but the sun came out before we awareness of our shelled friends and opened, and the front gate staff educate those who have them as waited expectantly to see if our pets or are considering it. The show wishes were going to come true. also raise money for our “sick & People had been lining up out- injured” fund that helps turtles and side, and at 11:00 am they entered in tortoises treated for serious medical large numbers, welcomed by festive issues and long-term rehabilitation red, white, and blue everywhere. for those that need it. But that was Our guests spread out to check out not the only reason show personnel the show, visit the gift shop, buy were unusually anxious...... tickets for the largest raffle ever held at a Valley show, learn about bunny rescue from Vicki Anderholt, www. p Dr. Kenneth Coscarelli from the New- adoptabunnyrabbit.org, and get bury Park Vet Clinic staffing our “Ask the their health questions answered by Vet” booth, with Speedy, who is one of his Dr. Kenneth Coscarelli, from New- CTTC patients. bury Park Veterinary Clinic at the “Ask the Vet” booth. But what they really came to see were the stars of the show, the turtles and tortoises exhibited by our members. Attendance was way up from previous years, helped great- ly by the interview and the online link to it, which went viral through Facebook. Perhaps even more importantly, we received a much larger number of adoption appli- p From the left: Cristina Perovich, Tim Perovich, host Michelle Valles, Karen Berry, cations than usually are completed President Bob Hazard, and “Lefty” on the at the show, and a number of new table. p Rose Haffey and Cory Stein staffing the members. Tortuga Gift Shop. We sent out press releases and Putting together a show requires a flyers to both print and TV media, lot of planning, and the newer and Volume 54, Number 4 13 Valley Chapter’s 2018 Annual p Kirk Weber’s sulcata tortoise, “Bubba”, Show was the official “greeter” of visitors to the show. photo gallery

p Sioux Ratkovic’s display of desert tor- toise hatchlings was one of the most visited booths at the show. p Maria Kennedy and one of her Russian tortoises.

p Succulents and decorative turtle plant- ers were a bit hit in the gift shop.

p Cristina Perovich provided adoption and membership information, and recruited p Valley President, Bob Hazard, aka many new members and prospective “Bob the Builder” discusses housing with adopters. visitors.

p Kevin Proulx with two tortoises he rescued from poor living conditions.

p Long time member Elaine Miller exhib- p Tim Perovich & Barbara Devries put its “Gimpy”, a desert tortoise she rescued on the Valley chapter’s most successful from kids who swung him around by a back raffle yet. leg, severely injuring him. p A wide variety of raffle prizes were donated by members, local vets, and other businesses. 14 July/August 2018 Study: Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles Protected by Endangered Species Act Are Recovering – 78 Percent of Studied Populations Grew, Just Two Species Declined After Listing Oakland, California — 16 May 2018 Endangered Species Day on May 18. whales from deafening sonar, re- — Most marine mammals and sea The study analyzed only those duced disorienting lighting from sea turtles in the United States that are species with reliable and high-qual- turtle nesting beaches, among other protected by the Endangered Species ity data, making the findings of this protections. Act are recovering, according to a comprehensive survey of the scien- The study found that species listed new study by scientists at the Center tific literature a powerful indicator of for more than 20 years were more for Biological Diversity. endangered species’ recovery. likely to be recovering than recently According to the study, listed species, another sign the Act is most species are on the effective if federal officials follow its path to recovery. Three mandates. species of marine mam- “People can see more humpback mals and two species whales migrating along the West of sea turtles remained Coast, which is a success story every- unchanged after listing, one can appreciate,” Valdivia said. which may indicate pop- “Yet Southern Resident killer whales ulation stability. Just two still struggle against extinction, partly marine mammal species, because the federal government the Hawaiian monk seal missed its own deadline to expand and Southern Resident critical habitat protections. The Act killer whale, continued works well when officials effectively to decline after being use the tools it provides.” Juvenile green turtle, Chelonia mydas. Photo by Mark Sullivan, listed. No listed sea turtle The study, titled “Marine mam- NOAA permit 1013707. populations declined. mals and sea turtles listed under the Conservation mea- Endangered Species Act are recover- The best available population data sures triggered by the Act include ing,” was primarily authored by Dr. for 23 marine mammals and nine sea habitat protections, science-based Valdivia. Marine mammals and sea turtles shows that 78 percent of them management measures to safeguard turtles make up 36 percent of the 161 — including most large whales, Flor- the species, and recovery planning. marine species listed under the Act. ida manatees, California sea otters, The Endangered Species Act has re- r and green sea turtles — experienced quired devices that allow sea turtles — Center for Biological Diversity substantial population increases after to escape from fishing nets, protected press release being protected by this landmark federal law. “The Endangered Species Act works. This is great news at a time when our oceans face growing threats from climate change, over- fishing and pollution,” said Dr. Abel Valdivia, the Center’s ocean scientist and lead author of the study. “It’s easy to get discouraged as we watch human activities destroy marine ecosystems. But our study shows we can still save whales and other endangered species if we just make the effort.” The study, which is under review at the scientific journal PLOS ONE and appears as a preprint in the BioRXiv server today, looked at all marine mammal and sea turtle spe- Graph illustrating the recovery of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the cies protected by the Act. The good North Atlantic Distinct Population Segment since the listing of the population news is being released just before under the Endangered Species Act. Graph created by Dr. Abel Valdivia of the Center for Biological Diversity. Volume 54, Number 4 15

Meetings and Programs Click on your Chapter’s website link for the latest program informa- tion. Programs may be scheduled after newsletter publication.

Cen-Val: NO meetings in July or August (school is closed) Chino Valley: 20 July; 17 August Foothill: 27 July; 24 August High Desert: 9 July; 13 August Inland Empire: 6 July; 3 August Kern County: 9 July; 13 August Low Desert: 6 August Orange County: 13 July; 10 August Ridgecrest: 9 July; 13 August Santa Barbara-Ventura: Contact the chapter for meeting information. Santa Clarita: 21 July TOOSLO (San Luis Obispo): 11 July; 8 August TTCS (Long Beach): 20 July–Annual Luau with a performance by Tausala Classified Advertisements Polynesia; 17 August–Dr. Classified advertisements run for one issue at $500 for up to four lines, or $3000 for Michael Tuma of the Desert ¼ page. Ads are accepted at the discretion of the Editor. Ads are available to mem- Tortoise Council bers and subscribers only, and are run as a service to our members. California Turtle & Tortoise Club is not responsible for merchandise placed for sale in the Tor- Valley: 20 July; 17 August tuga Gazette. Executive Board: 14 July. Please make your check payable to the California Turtle & Tortoise Club. Meetings take place at the Los Please send ad fee to: CTTC Tortuga Gazette, attn Treasurer, P. O. Box 7300, Van Angeles County Arboretum, Nuys, CA 91409-7300. Arcadia, CA. Mail fee with ad copy to the Tortuga Gazette mailing address; OR mail fee to the postal address above, and email the ad copy to the Gazette Editor.

California Turtle & Tortoise Club: a Society The Tortuga Gazette (ISSN 1073-1334) is Dedicated to Turtle & Tortoise Preservation, owned by the California Turtle & Tortoise Conservation and Education since 1964. Pro- Club Executive Board, which is incorporated moting and Facilitating the Care, Rescue and in the State of California as a Not-for-Profit Adoption of Native and Nonnative Turtles and Corporation and is tax-exempt under IRS Tortoises. code 501(c)(3). All material is copyright © CTTC unless otherwise attributed. CTTC policy permits Is your email address changing? reproduction of articles by other not-for-profit Update your email address through groups and educational institutions when per- your MailChimp account by clicking mission is requested. Permission is granted on the “Update Your Preferences” link on a case-by-case basis and CTTC must be cited your newsletter notice. Or send your as the source of the material. changes and corrections to Views expressed in the Tortuga Gazette are those of the contributors and not necessarily [email protected] Juvenile Sonoran desert tortoise cruising by those of the Editor or the California Turtle & fruit-laden prickly-pear plant. Public domain. Tortoise Club. 16 July/August 2018

Sonoran Desert Yuccas, continued References from page 7 American Southwest. (n.d.). Yucca of the West and Southwest USA. [online] Available at: Y. elata begins life as a basal http://www.americansouthwest.net/plants/ agavoideae/yucca.html rosette, eventually growing up to 15 Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. (n.d.). Genus feet (5 meters) tall, and it may form Yucca. [online] Available at: https://www. up to seven branches when older. desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_yucca.php Brenzel, editor, K. (2012). The New Sunset Its leaf margins feature long curling Western Garden Book. 1st ed. New York, filaments, and the pale or bright NY: Time Home Entertainment, pp.657-658. green leaves terminate in short, sharp Carlquist, S. (n.d.). Biological Photographs. [on- line] Plant Discoveries. Available at: http:// spines. www.sherwincarlquist.com/biological-pho- Appearing in late spring or early tographs.html summer, the inflorescence of the Turner, R., Bowers, J. and Burgess, T. (1995). Sonoran Desert Plants. 1st ed. Tucson, AZ: soaptree yucca may rise as much as University of Arizona Press, pp.407-412. 6 feet (2 meters) above the leaves. Yucca Page. (n.d.). [online] Available at: http:// Edible, white or cream-colored, www.succulent-plant.com/families/agavace- ae/yucca.html. 2-inch (5-centimeter) long flowers Yucca schidigera, photographed near the may be globular, pendant or bell- mouth of Oak Creek Canyon, Red Rock Can- shaped. yon, southern Nevada. Photo © 2006 by Stan Shebs. Source: Creative Commons; license Mojave Yucca GFDLCC-BY-SA-3.0CC-BY-SA-2.5. Y. schidig- A stout, robust species, old plants. Older plants may develop era inhabits the deserts of the south- branches or remain unbranched. western United States and northern Appearing in spring, its inflores- Baja California, but is most common cence is typically less than 3 feet (1 in the Mojave Desert. meter) in length with cream or white, Starting as a basal rosette, it grows globular, edible flowers. Fleshy, edi- blossom Stan Photo by © 2005 5 to 16 feet (1.5 to 5 meters) tall at ble fruits form following the flowers. maturity. Terminating in sharp spines, The trunk and roots of the Mojave its rigid, narrow, yellow-green leaves yucca contain saponins used by may be as long as 4 feet (1.5 meters), Native Americans to make soap for clustering near the top of the trunk in cleaning. r schidigera Yucca CC- Shebs. Commons; license: Source: Creative BY-SA-3.0

The California Turtle & Tortoise Club Cen-Val Chapter: P.O. Box 16418, Orange County Chapter: P.O. Box (CTTC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corpora- Fresno, CA 93755-6418 11124, Santa Ana, CA 9271 tion. Contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Please pay by Chino Valley Chapter: P. O. Box 1753, Ridgecrest Chapter: P. O. Box 1272, USA funds only (US bank check, money Chino, CA 91708-1753 Ridgecrest, CA 9355 order, or International Postal Order). Foothill Chapter: P. O. Box 51002, Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter: P.O. Membership in the CTTC and subscrip- Pasadena, CA 91115-1002 Box 3086, Camarillo, CA 93011-3086 tions to the Tortuga Gazette are handled through the CTTC Chapters. The Chapters High Desert Chapter: P. O. Box 163, Santa Clarita Chapter: P.O. Box 4012, also manage membership renewals. Victorville, CA 92393 Castaic, CA 91310 Many members choose to join a nearby Inland Empire Chapter: P.O. Box TOOSLO Chapter: P.O. Box 14222, Chapter to participate in Chapter meetings 2371, San Bernardino, CA 92406-2371 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 and other activities. Print membership forms from the CTTC website. Kern County Chapter: P.O. & Tortoise Care Society Chap- 81772, Bakersfield, CA 93380-1772 ter: P O Box 15952, Long Beach, CA Your Chapter and your renewal date 90815 (month/year) are displayed on your Low Desert Chapter: P.O. Box 4156, newsletter notification. Mail your new or Palm Desert, CA 92261 Valley Chapter: P.O. Box 7364, Van renewal membership/subscription to the Nuys, CA 91409-7364 Chapter of your choice. Membership fees the Tortuga Gazette • Student membership ...... $1500 California Turtle & Tortoise Club • Individual membership ...$2500 Post Office Box 7300 • Family membership ...... $3500 Van Nuys, CA 91409-7300 • Life membership ...... $50000 https://www.tortoise.org