Effects of fire on desert tortoise habitat

This old male tortoise was experimentally translocated to a site that had been previously burned in wildfire to understand how tortoise grow and survive in habitat that is disturbed by fires. While tortoises will eat the bright green brome grass, commonly named red brome (Bromus rubens), it is nutritionally less valuable than native wildflowers that are the preferred and healthier food for desert tortoises. The stiff awns at the top of the grass can injure desert tortoises and other wildlife.