ENGLE, N.M. (AP) — The Bolson tortoise, North America’s largest and most rare tortoise species, has an unknown average lifespan that could be over a century. To save this endangered species, U.S. wildlife officials have finalized an agreement with Ted Turner’s Endangered Species Fund, allowing for the release of more Bolson tortoises on Turner’s ranch in central New Mexico.
The newly finalized “safe harbor agreement” will enable captive tortoises to establish a free-ranging population on the Armendaris Ranch. This agreement also provides private landowners with protections from regulations and serves as a model for innovative approaches to conservation within the Endangered Species Act.
On Friday, dozens of people witnessed the release of 20 adult tortoises on the Armendaris Ranch, which already houses 23 adults and several juveniles. The tortoises were released in the evening to ensure their well-being in the hot temperatures.
Bolson tortoises spend about 85% of their time in earthen burrows, some of which can be up to 21 yards (20 meters) long.
Shawn Sartorius, a field supervisor with the Fish and Wildlife Service, acknowledged that the results of the breeding and restoration efforts for these slow-reproducing and long-lived animals may not materialize within his lifetime. However, he emphasized the importance of establishing a population that can be passed down to future generations.
Releasing more Bolson tortoises on Turner’s ranch is a step towards reintroducing them to the Southwest region. Conservationists hope that the federal government will develop a recovery plan for the species. This effort is part of a broader movement to find new habitats for endangered species affected by climate change and other threats.
Originally found in the grasslands of north-central Mexico, the Bolson tortoise once had a larger range that included the southwestern United States and parts of Texas and Oklahoma. The wild population in Mexico is estimated to be fewer than 2,500 tortoises, and they face increasing threats from hunting, poaching, and habitat loss due to agricultural expansion.
While the tortoises haven’t roamed wild in what is now New Mexico for a long time, Mike Phillips, director of the Turner Endangered Species Fund, believes it is necessary to reconsider the ecological reference points for species recovery. With climate change altering habitats, historical conditions should be weighed against future projections when determining recovery efforts.
Sartorius agrees with this viewpoint and emphasizes the need for a broader perspective beyond historical range considerations. He believes that focusing on future ranges is crucial for ensuring the survival of species like the Bolson tortoise.
The Armendaris Ranch, covering more than 560 square miles (1,450 square kilometers), provides an ideal habitat for the tortoises, resembling their natural environment in Mexico. The efforts of the Turner Endangered Species Fund and its partners have resulted in the successful hatching of over 400 tortoises since 2006.
The released tortoises will be able to roam freely within a 16.5-acre (6.6-hectare) pen equipped with transponders for tracking purposes. Wildlife managers will monitor them annually, considering weather conditions and forage availability. Depending on these factors, it may take a few years for a hatchling to reach maturity.
The Bolson tortoise is a newly discovered species with limited studies, and researchers continue to learn more about its natural history and behavior. The goal is to establish a robust captive population that can be used for future reintroductions in the U.S. and Mexico, requiring permits from state and federal authorities.
As the newly released tortoises ventured into their new environment, it was a momentous occasion for Chris Wiese and her team at the Armendaris Ranch. Their ultimate goal is to create wild tortoises rather than pets, and releasing them is the pinnacle of their conservation efforts.
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