X-radiograph of a desert tortoise showing eggs

An X-radiograph of a desert tortoise at the Mesa wind farm near Palm Springs, California showing the outlines of four shelled eggs. A radio transmitter and antenna are clearly visible. A penny is shown in the upper left hand corner for scale. Previous published research by the principal investigator determined that this technique poses minimal risk to females and embryos. A great deal has been learned about the reproductive ecology of tortoises from this study.