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Shellie (Michele) R Puffer (Former Employee)

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Tall windmills on a semi-arid landscape with snow-covered mountains in the background

Desert Tortoise Ecology and Renewable Energy Development

The desert Southwest is experiencing rapid development of utility-scale solar and wind energy facilities. Although clean renewable energy has environmental benefits, it can also have negative impacts on wildlife and their habitats. Understanding those impacts and effectively mitigating them is a major goal of industry and resource managers. One species of particular concern is Agassiz’s desert...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Southwest Biological Science Center
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Desert Tortoise Ecology and Renewable Energy Development

The desert Southwest is experiencing rapid development of utility-scale solar and wind energy facilities. Although clean renewable energy has environmental benefits, it can also have negative impacts on wildlife and their habitats. Understanding those impacts and effectively mitigating them is a major goal of industry and resource managers. One species of particular concern is Agassiz’s desert...
Learn More
link
Close-up of male tortoise

Desert Tortoise Ecology

Agassiz’s desert tortoises ( Gopherus agassizii ) approach the southern edge of their mostly Mojave Desert range near Joshua Tree National Park. Modern desert tortoise research started in the Park in 1978 when the first tortoise population census was conducted on a one square mile area in the Pinto Basin known as the “Barrow Plot.” U.S. Geological Survey research began at the plot in 1997 and...
By
Species Management Research Program, Southwest Biological Science Center
link

Desert Tortoise Ecology

Agassiz’s desert tortoises ( Gopherus agassizii ) approach the southern edge of their mostly Mojave Desert range near Joshua Tree National Park. Modern desert tortoise research started in the Park in 1978 when the first tortoise population census was conducted on a one square mile area in the Pinto Basin known as the “Barrow Plot.” U.S. Geological Survey research began at the plot in 1997 and...
Learn More

Injury and abnormality data for southwestern pond turtles (Actinemys pallida) from 3 sites along the Mojave River, California from separate surveys in 1998-1999 and 2017-2019

These data were compiled to assess the size, structure, and health of various populations of Actinemys pallida along the length of the Mojave River. Objective(s) of our study were to determine the extent of injuries and abnormalities within our Actinemys pallida populations (including statistical analyses comparing injuries with turtle sex and size) and estimate the cause(s) of the injuries and ab
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Agassiz's desert tortoise and egg data from the Sonoran Desert of California (1997-2000, 2015-2018)

These data were compiled to evaluate reproductive output of Agassiz's desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizzi) in relation to environmental and individual-level variables. We collected data from four study sites in the Sonoran Desert of California, including two separate populations within Joshua Tree National Park, one population located on the northern versant of the Orocopia Mountains, and one pop
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Spatial distribution and risk analysis data for diamond-backed terrapins relative to crab trapping, Savannah Coastal Refuge Complex, USA

There were five objects for compiling these data: 1) to conduct a systematic inventory of diamond-backed terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) using headcount surveys on four National Wildlife Refuges (Harris Neck, Blackbeard Island, Wassaw, and Wolf Island) that are a part of the greater Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex in southeast Georgia, USA; 2) to use occupancy modeling to determine detection prob
By
Southwest Biological Science Center
A southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) in riparian vegetation in the sun next to water, Mojave River, CA
Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mohave River, CA
Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mohave River, CA
A southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) in riparian vegetation in the sun next to water, Mojave River, CA

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mohave River, CA

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mohave River, CA

A male southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) in riparian vegetation in the sun next to water, Mojave River, CA. This turtle is missing its left foot. Photo by Shellie (Michelle) Puffer, 2017.

By
Southwest Biological Science Center
A southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) in riparian vegetation in the sun next to water, Mojave River, CA

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mohave River, CA

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mohave River, CA

A male southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) in riparian vegetation in the sun next to water, Mojave River, CA. This turtle is missing its left foot. Photo by Shellie (Michelle) Puffer, 2017.

By
Southwest Biological Science Center
Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) partially emerged from the water, Mojave River
Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mojave River, CA
Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mojave River, CA
Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) partially emerged from the water, Mojave River

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mojave River, CA

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mojave River, CA

A female southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) basks in the sun, Mojave River, CA. Photo taken by Shellie Puffer, 2017, SBSC, USGS.

By
Southwest Biological Science Center
Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) partially emerged from the water, Mojave River

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mojave River, CA

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mojave River, CA

A female southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) basks in the sun, Mojave River, CA. Photo taken by Shellie Puffer, 2017, SBSC, USGS.

By
Southwest Biological Science Center
A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park
A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park
A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park
A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park

A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park

A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park

A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park lounges in the entrance of her burrow, wearing a USGS radio.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park

A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park

A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park

A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park lounges in the entrance of her burrow, wearing a USGS radio.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Filter Total Items: 20

Aspects of the demography of a relict population of southwestern pond turtles (Actinemys pallida) in a West Mojave Desert stream in California

We studied Actinemys pallida (Southwestern Pond Turtle) in Amargosa Creek, near Palmdale, CA, from 1997 to 2023. The population in the upper creek was the focus of a mark–recapture study from 1997 to 2003 during monitoring required by a road-construction project. An estimated 193 (95% CI = 142–256) turtles were present in 1997 or recruited to the upper creek population between 1997 and 2003. Total
Authors
David Muth, Jeffrey E. Lovich, Rodrigo Macip-Rios, Doug Gomez, Kristy L. Cummings, Michele (Shellie) R. Puffer, Charles Yackulic
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Determining the distribution, status, and linkages of Agassiz's desert tortoise populations in the uplands surrounding the Coachella Valley

In support of the goals of the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission and the Bureau of Land Management, we performed surveys to determine the status, distribution, demographics, and possible genetic linkages of Agassiz’s desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) populations within the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) area during a multi-decadal megadrought. Feder
Authors
Michele (Shellie) R. Puffer, Jeffrey E. Lovich, Kristy L. Cummings
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Gopherus Agassizii (Mojave Desert Tortoise). nest depredation

Nest site selection is an important determinant of clutch success and hatchling sex ratios in Gopherus agassizii, Mojave Desert tortoises (Spotila et al. 1994. Herpetol. Monogr. 8:103-116). G. agassizii lay eggs in or near the entrance of their burrows (Ennen et al. 2012. Copeia 2012:222-228) and females of both G. agassizii and G. morafkai, may reduce egg predation risk by remaining at their burr
Authors
Megan Peukert, Gerardo Avila, William J. Hoese, Christopher R. Tracy, Philip L. Boyd, Kristy L. Cummings, Shellie R. Puffer, Jeffrey E. Lovich
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

High female desert tortoise mortality in the western Sonoran Desert during California’s epic 2012–2016 drought

We conducted population surveys for desert tortoises Gopherus agassizii at 2 nearby sites in the western Sonoran Desert of California, USA, from 2015-2018, during the driest ongoing 22 yr period (2000-2021) in the southwestern USA in over 1200 yr. We hypothesized that drought-induced mortality would be female-biased due to water and energy losses attributable to egg production during protracted pe
Authors
Jeffrey E. Lovich, Michele (Shellie) R. Puffer, Kristy L. Cummings, Terence R. Arundel, Michael S. Vamstad, Kathleen D. Brundige
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Southwest Biological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Injuries and abnormalities of the southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) in the Mojave River of California

The southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) is a semiaquatic turtle that occasionally spends time on land to bask, oviposit, make intermittent overland movements, and overwinter in terrestrial locations. Use of both aquatic and terrestrial environments exposes semiaquatic turtles to increased risk of injury or mortality from floods, predation attempts, and other environmental hazards (e.g., h

Authors
Kristy L. Cummings, Jeffrey E. Lovich, Michele (Shellie) R. Puffer, Sarah Greely, Christopher D Otahal, James Gannon
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Birds not in flight: Using camera traps to observe ground use of birds at a wind-energy facility

Context: Camera trapping is increasingly used to collect information on wildlife occurrence and behaviour remotely. Not only does the technique provide insights into habitat use by species of interest, it also gathers information on non-target species.Aims: We implemented ground-based camera trapping to investigate the behaviours of ground-dwelling birds, a technique that has largely been unutilis
Authors
Shellie R. Puffer, Laura A. Tennant, Jeffrey E. Lovich, Mickey Agha, Amanda L. Smith, David Delaney, Terence R. Arundel, Leo J. Fleckenstein, Jessica Briggs, Andrew Walde, Joshua Ennen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Southwest Biological Science Center

Western pond turtles in the Mojave Desert? A review of their past, present, and possible future

=The western pond turtle (WPT) was formerly considered a single species (Actinemys or Emys marmorata) that ranged from southern British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, México. More recently it was divided into a northern and a southern species. WPTs are found primarily in streams that drain into the Pacific Ocean, although scattered populations exist in endorheic drainages of the Great Basin
Authors
Jeffrey E. Lovich, George T. Jefferson, Robert E. Reynolds, Peter A. Scott, H. Bradley Shaffer, Shellie R. Puffer, Sarah Greely, Kristy L. Cummings, Robert N. Fisher, Kathie Meyer-Wilkins, Doug Gomez, Morgan Ford, Christopher D Otahal
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Gopherus Agassizii (Agassiz’s Desert Tortoise). Overwinter movement

No abstract available.
Authors
Kristy L. Cummings, Jeffrey E. Lovich, Shellie R. Puffer
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

‘Unscrambling’ the drivers of egg production in Agassiz’s desert tortoise: Climate and individual attributes predict reproductive output

ABSTRACT: The ‘bet hedging’ life history strategy of long-lived iteroparous species reduces short-term reproductive output to minimize the risk of reproductive failure over a lifetime. For desert-dwelling ectotherms living in variable and unpredictable environments, reproductive output is further influenced by precipitation and temperature via effects on food availability and limits on activity. W
Authors
Corey I. Mitchell, Derek Friend, Lauren T. Phillips, Elizabeth A. Hunter, Jeffrey E. Lovich, Mickey Agha, Shellie R. Puffer, Kristy L. Cummings, Philip A. Medica, Todd Esque, Kenneth E. Nussear, Kevin T. Shoemaker
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Micro-geographic variation in burrow use of Agassiz’s desert tortoises in the Sonoran Desert of California

Little has been published regarding the burrowing habits of Agassiz’s desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) in the Sonoran Desert of California. We monitored the interactions of tortoises with their burrows, and other tortoises, via radio-telemetry at two nearby sites between the Cottonwood and Orocopia Mountains, from 2015-2018. We examined how annual cycles of drought and non-drought years, beha

Authors
Kristy L. Cummings, Jeffrey E. Lovich, Shellie R. Puffer, Terence R. Arundel, Kathleen D. Brundige
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Refining genetic boundaries for Agassiz’s desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in the western Sonoran Desert: The influence of the Coachella Valley on gene flow among populations in southern California

Understanding the influence of geographic features on the evolutionary history and population structure of a species can assist wildlife managers in delimiting genetic units (GUs) for conservation and management. Landscape features including mountains, low elevation depressions, and even roads can influence connectivity and gene flow among Agassiz’s desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) populations
Authors
Jeffrey E. Lovich, Taylor Edwards, Kristin H. Berry, Shellie R. Puffer, Kristy L. Cummings, Ennen Joshua R., Mickey Agha, Rachel Wood, Kathleen D. Brundige, Robert W. Murphy
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Establishing an Agassiz’s Desert Tortoise monitoring program within the Coachella Valley multiple species habitat conservation plan area: Final report to the Coachella Valley conservation commission on work performed near the Orocopia Mountains

In support of the goals of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Community Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP/NCCP), a population of Agassiz’s desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) was marked and studied to establish a desert tortoise monitoring program near the Orocopia Mountains beginning in early 2017 and ending in the summer of 2018, following the epic drought of
Authors
Jeffrey E. Lovich, Shellie R. Puffer, Kristy L. Cummings
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Rasche, S.S., Phillips, M., McInerney, M.F., Sercarz, E.E., and Quinn, A. 2011. IL-13Rα1 expression on β-cell-specific T cells in NOD mice. Diabetes, v. 60, p. 1716-1725.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Injuries and abnormalities of the southwestern pond turtle in the Mojave River of California

Injuries and abnormalities of the southwestern pond turtle in the Mojave River of California

A USGS study examined adult southwestern pond turtles, a CA Species of Special Concern, at study sites along the Mojave River in California during...

Read Article
High female desert tortoise mortality in the western Sonoran Desert during California’s epic 2012–2016 drought

High female desert tortoise mortality in the western Sonoran Desert during California’s epic 2012–2016 drought

USGS conducted population surveys for desert tortoises at two sites in the western Sonoran Desert of California, USA, from 2015-2018, during the...

Read Article
Birds Use Tortoise Burrows, Too

Birds Use Tortoise Burrows, Too

Remote camera monitoring allows us to see wildlife behavior without disturbance. Instead of from a 'bird's eye view,' this study approaches...

Read Article
Happy Mother’s Day to Moms of All Species

Happy Mother’s Day to Moms of All Species

USGS wishes to honor all mothers, of all species. Many of our research findings have and are shedding light on the lives of non-human moms.  

Read Article

Science and Products

link
Tall windmills on a semi-arid landscape with snow-covered mountains in the background

Desert Tortoise Ecology and Renewable Energy Development

The desert Southwest is experiencing rapid development of utility-scale solar and wind energy facilities. Although clean renewable energy has environmental benefits, it can also have negative impacts on wildlife and their habitats. Understanding those impacts and effectively mitigating them is a major goal of industry and resource managers. One species of particular concern is Agassiz’s desert...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Southwest Biological Science Center
link

Desert Tortoise Ecology and Renewable Energy Development

The desert Southwest is experiencing rapid development of utility-scale solar and wind energy facilities. Although clean renewable energy has environmental benefits, it can also have negative impacts on wildlife and their habitats. Understanding those impacts and effectively mitigating them is a major goal of industry and resource managers. One species of particular concern is Agassiz’s desert...
Learn More
link
Close-up of male tortoise

Desert Tortoise Ecology

Agassiz’s desert tortoises ( Gopherus agassizii ) approach the southern edge of their mostly Mojave Desert range near Joshua Tree National Park. Modern desert tortoise research started in the Park in 1978 when the first tortoise population census was conducted on a one square mile area in the Pinto Basin known as the “Barrow Plot.” U.S. Geological Survey research began at the plot in 1997 and...
By
Species Management Research Program, Southwest Biological Science Center
link

Desert Tortoise Ecology

Agassiz’s desert tortoises ( Gopherus agassizii ) approach the southern edge of their mostly Mojave Desert range near Joshua Tree National Park. Modern desert tortoise research started in the Park in 1978 when the first tortoise population census was conducted on a one square mile area in the Pinto Basin known as the “Barrow Plot.” U.S. Geological Survey research began at the plot in 1997 and...
Learn More

Injury and abnormality data for southwestern pond turtles (Actinemys pallida) from 3 sites along the Mojave River, California from separate surveys in 1998-1999 and 2017-2019

These data were compiled to assess the size, structure, and health of various populations of Actinemys pallida along the length of the Mojave River. Objective(s) of our study were to determine the extent of injuries and abnormalities within our Actinemys pallida populations (including statistical analyses comparing injuries with turtle sex and size) and estimate the cause(s) of the injuries and ab
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Agassiz's desert tortoise and egg data from the Sonoran Desert of California (1997-2000, 2015-2018)

These data were compiled to evaluate reproductive output of Agassiz's desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizzi) in relation to environmental and individual-level variables. We collected data from four study sites in the Sonoran Desert of California, including two separate populations within Joshua Tree National Park, one population located on the northern versant of the Orocopia Mountains, and one pop
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Spatial distribution and risk analysis data for diamond-backed terrapins relative to crab trapping, Savannah Coastal Refuge Complex, USA

There were five objects for compiling these data: 1) to conduct a systematic inventory of diamond-backed terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) using headcount surveys on four National Wildlife Refuges (Harris Neck, Blackbeard Island, Wassaw, and Wolf Island) that are a part of the greater Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex in southeast Georgia, USA; 2) to use occupancy modeling to determine detection prob
By
Southwest Biological Science Center
A southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) in riparian vegetation in the sun next to water, Mojave River, CA
Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mohave River, CA
Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mohave River, CA
A southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) in riparian vegetation in the sun next to water, Mojave River, CA

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mohave River, CA

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mohave River, CA

A male southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) in riparian vegetation in the sun next to water, Mojave River, CA. This turtle is missing its left foot. Photo by Shellie (Michelle) Puffer, 2017.

By
Southwest Biological Science Center
A southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) in riparian vegetation in the sun next to water, Mojave River, CA

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mohave River, CA

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mohave River, CA

A male southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) in riparian vegetation in the sun next to water, Mojave River, CA. This turtle is missing its left foot. Photo by Shellie (Michelle) Puffer, 2017.

By
Southwest Biological Science Center
Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) partially emerged from the water, Mojave River
Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mojave River, CA
Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mojave River, CA
Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) partially emerged from the water, Mojave River

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mojave River, CA

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mojave River, CA

A female southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) basks in the sun, Mojave River, CA. Photo taken by Shellie Puffer, 2017, SBSC, USGS.

By
Southwest Biological Science Center
Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) partially emerged from the water, Mojave River

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mojave River, CA

Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), Mojave River, CA

A female southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) basks in the sun, Mojave River, CA. Photo taken by Shellie Puffer, 2017, SBSC, USGS.

By
Southwest Biological Science Center
A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park
A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park
A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park
A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park

A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park

A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park

A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park lounges in the entrance of her burrow, wearing a USGS radio.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park

A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park

A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park

A female Agassiz's desert tortoise at Joshua Tree National Park lounges in the entrance of her burrow, wearing a USGS radio.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Filter Total Items: 20

Aspects of the demography of a relict population of southwestern pond turtles (Actinemys pallida) in a West Mojave Desert stream in California

We studied Actinemys pallida (Southwestern Pond Turtle) in Amargosa Creek, near Palmdale, CA, from 1997 to 2023. The population in the upper creek was the focus of a mark–recapture study from 1997 to 2003 during monitoring required by a road-construction project. An estimated 193 (95% CI = 142–256) turtles were present in 1997 or recruited to the upper creek population between 1997 and 2003. Total
Authors
David Muth, Jeffrey E. Lovich, Rodrigo Macip-Rios, Doug Gomez, Kristy L. Cummings, Michele (Shellie) R. Puffer, Charles Yackulic
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Determining the distribution, status, and linkages of Agassiz's desert tortoise populations in the uplands surrounding the Coachella Valley

In support of the goals of the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission and the Bureau of Land Management, we performed surveys to determine the status, distribution, demographics, and possible genetic linkages of Agassiz’s desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) populations within the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) area during a multi-decadal megadrought. Feder
Authors
Michele (Shellie) R. Puffer, Jeffrey E. Lovich, Kristy L. Cummings
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Gopherus Agassizii (Mojave Desert Tortoise). nest depredation

Nest site selection is an important determinant of clutch success and hatchling sex ratios in Gopherus agassizii, Mojave Desert tortoises (Spotila et al. 1994. Herpetol. Monogr. 8:103-116). G. agassizii lay eggs in or near the entrance of their burrows (Ennen et al. 2012. Copeia 2012:222-228) and females of both G. agassizii and G. morafkai, may reduce egg predation risk by remaining at their burr
Authors
Megan Peukert, Gerardo Avila, William J. Hoese, Christopher R. Tracy, Philip L. Boyd, Kristy L. Cummings, Shellie R. Puffer, Jeffrey E. Lovich
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

High female desert tortoise mortality in the western Sonoran Desert during California’s epic 2012–2016 drought

We conducted population surveys for desert tortoises Gopherus agassizii at 2 nearby sites in the western Sonoran Desert of California, USA, from 2015-2018, during the driest ongoing 22 yr period (2000-2021) in the southwestern USA in over 1200 yr. We hypothesized that drought-induced mortality would be female-biased due to water and energy losses attributable to egg production during protracted pe
Authors
Jeffrey E. Lovich, Michele (Shellie) R. Puffer, Kristy L. Cummings, Terence R. Arundel, Michael S. Vamstad, Kathleen D. Brundige
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Southwest Biological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Injuries and abnormalities of the southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) in the Mojave River of California

The southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) is a semiaquatic turtle that occasionally spends time on land to bask, oviposit, make intermittent overland movements, and overwinter in terrestrial locations. Use of both aquatic and terrestrial environments exposes semiaquatic turtles to increased risk of injury or mortality from floods, predation attempts, and other environmental hazards (e.g., h

Authors
Kristy L. Cummings, Jeffrey E. Lovich, Michele (Shellie) R. Puffer, Sarah Greely, Christopher D Otahal, James Gannon
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Birds not in flight: Using camera traps to observe ground use of birds at a wind-energy facility

Context: Camera trapping is increasingly used to collect information on wildlife occurrence and behaviour remotely. Not only does the technique provide insights into habitat use by species of interest, it also gathers information on non-target species.Aims: We implemented ground-based camera trapping to investigate the behaviours of ground-dwelling birds, a technique that has largely been unutilis
Authors
Shellie R. Puffer, Laura A. Tennant, Jeffrey E. Lovich, Mickey Agha, Amanda L. Smith, David Delaney, Terence R. Arundel, Leo J. Fleckenstein, Jessica Briggs, Andrew Walde, Joshua Ennen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Southwest Biological Science Center

Western pond turtles in the Mojave Desert? A review of their past, present, and possible future

=The western pond turtle (WPT) was formerly considered a single species (Actinemys or Emys marmorata) that ranged from southern British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, México. More recently it was divided into a northern and a southern species. WPTs are found primarily in streams that drain into the Pacific Ocean, although scattered populations exist in endorheic drainages of the Great Basin
Authors
Jeffrey E. Lovich, George T. Jefferson, Robert E. Reynolds, Peter A. Scott, H. Bradley Shaffer, Shellie R. Puffer, Sarah Greely, Kristy L. Cummings, Robert N. Fisher, Kathie Meyer-Wilkins, Doug Gomez, Morgan Ford, Christopher D Otahal
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Gopherus Agassizii (Agassiz’s Desert Tortoise). Overwinter movement

No abstract available.
Authors
Kristy L. Cummings, Jeffrey E. Lovich, Shellie R. Puffer
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

‘Unscrambling’ the drivers of egg production in Agassiz’s desert tortoise: Climate and individual attributes predict reproductive output

ABSTRACT: The ‘bet hedging’ life history strategy of long-lived iteroparous species reduces short-term reproductive output to minimize the risk of reproductive failure over a lifetime. For desert-dwelling ectotherms living in variable and unpredictable environments, reproductive output is further influenced by precipitation and temperature via effects on food availability and limits on activity. W
Authors
Corey I. Mitchell, Derek Friend, Lauren T. Phillips, Elizabeth A. Hunter, Jeffrey E. Lovich, Mickey Agha, Shellie R. Puffer, Kristy L. Cummings, Philip A. Medica, Todd Esque, Kenneth E. Nussear, Kevin T. Shoemaker
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Micro-geographic variation in burrow use of Agassiz’s desert tortoises in the Sonoran Desert of California

Little has been published regarding the burrowing habits of Agassiz’s desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) in the Sonoran Desert of California. We monitored the interactions of tortoises with their burrows, and other tortoises, via radio-telemetry at two nearby sites between the Cottonwood and Orocopia Mountains, from 2015-2018. We examined how annual cycles of drought and non-drought years, beha

Authors
Kristy L. Cummings, Jeffrey E. Lovich, Shellie R. Puffer, Terence R. Arundel, Kathleen D. Brundige
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Refining genetic boundaries for Agassiz’s desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in the western Sonoran Desert: The influence of the Coachella Valley on gene flow among populations in southern California

Understanding the influence of geographic features on the evolutionary history and population structure of a species can assist wildlife managers in delimiting genetic units (GUs) for conservation and management. Landscape features including mountains, low elevation depressions, and even roads can influence connectivity and gene flow among Agassiz’s desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) populations
Authors
Jeffrey E. Lovich, Taylor Edwards, Kristin H. Berry, Shellie R. Puffer, Kristy L. Cummings, Ennen Joshua R., Mickey Agha, Rachel Wood, Kathleen D. Brundige, Robert W. Murphy
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Establishing an Agassiz’s Desert Tortoise monitoring program within the Coachella Valley multiple species habitat conservation plan area: Final report to the Coachella Valley conservation commission on work performed near the Orocopia Mountains

In support of the goals of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Community Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP/NCCP), a population of Agassiz’s desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) was marked and studied to establish a desert tortoise monitoring program near the Orocopia Mountains beginning in early 2017 and ending in the summer of 2018, following the epic drought of
Authors
Jeffrey E. Lovich, Shellie R. Puffer, Kristy L. Cummings
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Rasche, S.S., Phillips, M., McInerney, M.F., Sercarz, E.E., and Quinn, A. 2011. IL-13Rα1 expression on β-cell-specific T cells in NOD mice. Diabetes, v. 60, p. 1716-1725.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Injuries and abnormalities of the southwestern pond turtle in the Mojave River of California

Injuries and abnormalities of the southwestern pond turtle in the Mojave River of California

A USGS study examined adult southwestern pond turtles, a CA Species of Special Concern, at study sites along the Mojave River in California during...

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High female desert tortoise mortality in the western Sonoran Desert during California’s epic 2012–2016 drought

High female desert tortoise mortality in the western Sonoran Desert during California’s epic 2012–2016 drought

USGS conducted population surveys for desert tortoises at two sites in the western Sonoran Desert of California, USA, from 2015-2018, during the...

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Birds Use Tortoise Burrows, Too

Birds Use Tortoise Burrows, Too

Remote camera monitoring allows us to see wildlife behavior without disturbance. Instead of from a 'bird's eye view,' this study approaches...

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Happy Mother’s Day to Moms of All Species

Happy Mother’s Day to Moms of All Species

USGS wishes to honor all mothers, of all species. Many of our research findings have and are shedding light on the lives of non-human moms.  

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