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Survey protocol information and training resources for Mojave Desert Tortoises

For more surveyor or training information, please contact the appropriate person for the state in which you're working:

Learn more about the Desert Tortoise Recovery Office. 

Mojave Desert Tortoise Training Opportunities

For up-to-date information on workshops and training opportunities, please visit: https://deserttortoise.org/training-programs.

Mojave Desert Tortoise Introductory Course

The Desert Tortoise Council holds an annual, 2-day training that emphasizes identification of Mojave desert tortoise ecology, habitats, and use of the Fish and Wildlife Service 2017 desert tortoise survey protocol. This training is highly recommended for all currently permitted and future permit applicants who plan to conduct desert tortoise surveys or monitoring activities in Utah.

Completion of the course does not result in an authorization or permit, but will help with the authorization/permitting process.

Mojave Desert Tortoise Advanced Course

The Desert Tortoise Council holds an annual, 4.5 day advanced course that provides knowledge and experience that will help fulfill some of the qualifications of an Authorized desert tortoise biologist (as defined by the Service). This course is only open to biologists with moderate-level desert tortoise field experience. The class will cover topics such as biosecurity, survey techniques, desert tortoise handling procedures, and basic health assessments. This training is highly recommended for all currently permitted and future permit applicants who plan to conduct desert tortoise handling or translocate tortoises in Utah. Completion of the course does not result in an authorization or permit, but will help with the authorization/permitting process.

Applicants must meet three criteria:

  • Successful completion of the Desert Tortoise Council’s Introduction to Desert Tortoises and Field Techniques Course, or equivalent field experience;
  • Minimum of 280 hours conducting desert tortoise surveys; and
  • Minimum of 280 hours conducting construction monitoring in desert tortoise habitat.

See https://deserttortoise.org/training-programs/ for more information.

Desert Tortoise Health Assessment Procedures for Translocations

****Courses are only scheduled when enough qualified individuals are interested.

This class is an advanced course designed to prepare students to conduct standardized health assessments required by the Service in order to conduct desert tortoise translocations. A passing certificate from this class is required for all currently permitted and future permit applicants who plan to conduct desert tortoise translocation activities in Utah. Completion of the course does not result in an authorization or permit, but will help with the authorization/permitting process.

This course requires extensive handling experience, desert experience, and education or research. See website for requirements and contact details: https://deserttortoise.org/training-programs/health-assessment-training/

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