advertisement
15 May 2023
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) takes hundreds of captive desert tortoises surrendered to them yearly. While these tortoises cannot be released back into the wild, they make for fascinating nontraditional pets. Families can learn to appreciate desert wildlife by caring for them and observing their natural behavior.
This year, the AZGFD reported a record number of orphaned tortoises, with nearly 300 animals rescued, and over 100 are still looking for their forever homes. AZGFD is raising awareness about Sonoran Desert tortoises as the weather gets warmer. So far, around 130 animals have been adopted this year, but there are still approximately 140 tortoises in the care of the AZGFD, waiting to be adopted.
The adoption process is free, but potential adopters must have a burrow ready for the new addition, as these animals spend their time outdoors and require burrows for protection. Before adopting, remember that Desert tortoises can live for 80 to 100 years, meaning they can remain in a family for multiple generations.
In much of Arizona, desert tortoises should be kept outdoors year-round. However, as cool fall weather returns, tortoises become less active, and their appetite decreases as they prepare to hibernate in their shelter. A health check-up with a reptile veterinarian is recommended to ensure the tortoise is healthy enough to hibernate.
Suppose the tortoise does not move into its shelter by nightly temperatures, drops below 50 degrees, or is unsure whether the shelter will remain dry during winter rains. In that case, you must hibernate it in a cool, dark garage or other room area. If you live outside the natural range of the desert tortoise, such as Prescott, the tortoise will need to be hibernated in a cool, dark area inside your home that ideally does not go below 50 degrees.
A heavy cardboard box, non-transparent plastic storage container, or portable tortoise house packed with shredded paper or straw generally provides adequate protection. The box should be covered with several layers of blankets or newspapers and kept off the floor, away from any holes that could lead to drafts or rodent invasion. A tortoise cannot achieve metabolic hibernation if its shelter is too warm.
Dehydration is a significant risk during indoor hibernation, but it can be avoided if the humidity is maintained between 30-40 percent. This can be monitored using an inexpensive thermometer and humidity meter. Juveniles should be offered water every 2-3 weeks and adults every 4-6 weeks during hibernation. Avoid exposing the tortoise to light or other disturbances.
If your tortoise does not hibernate naturally, it may be sick and needs to be seen by a veterinarian. A sick tortoise should not be allowed to hibernate, as it may not survive the winter. Tortoises that cannot hibernate due to health problems or inadequate weight should be housed indoors.
Keeping tortoises indoors requires at least an 18-inch-by-18-inch space, and hatchlings can be kept in an 8-inch-by-8-inch area. Temperatures in the enclosure should remain between 85 and 90 degrees during the day but not below 70 degrees. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer and an artificial light above the enclosure. Try different wattages until the desired temperature is achieved, but make sure the light contains enough UVB (ultraviolet B rays).
Turn off the light at sunset to maintain a regular photoperiod. Leaving the light on at night can lead to hyperthyroidism, a glandular disorder. It is ideal to have an 11-hour daylight cycle followed by a 13-hour night cycle.
To properly care for your desert tortoise, it is essential to provide them with appropriate food and water and opportunities for exposure to sunlight. Refer to a summer feeding schedule or consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your tortoise. Fresh water should be provided at least three times a week.
When the sun is shining, and temperatures are between 70 and 85 degrees, it is recommended to take your tortoise outside for frequent exposure to sunlight. This can help stimulate their appetite and overall well-being. However, it is crucial to ensure that shade is always available for the tortoise to retreat to if they become too warm.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s adoption program for captive desert tortoises offers a unique opportunity for families to learn about and appreciate these fascinating animals while providing them with a safe and caring home. By following the guidelines and recommendations for proper care, adopters can help ensure the health and well-being of their tortoise companion for years to come.
advertisement
Arizona is commonly known as the “Valley of the Sun” with over 300 days of sunshine a year. There are so many sunny days in Arizona that Phoenix has more sunshine days per year than any other metropolitan area in the country. In other words, if you suffer from Seasonal affective disorder, Arizona might be the state for you. The seasons are shorter and milder in Arizona (except perhaps for summer) — Arizona has an early spring with flowers blooming as early as January. Even the slightly chillier winter months won’t last long. Let’s find out what it’s like to
Arizona is famous for its desert landscapes, dramatic sunsets, and historic landmarks. But across the state, another form of art is quietly transforming walls, alleyways, and entire neighborhoods. Street art has become one of the most vibrant and accessible forms of creative expression in Arizona, turning ordinary buildings into outdoor galleries. From massive murals in downtown Phoenix to colorful installations in Tucson and unexpected pieces tucked into smaller towns, Arizona’s street art scene reflects the culture, history, and creativity of the communities that create it. advertisement Phoenix: A Growing Urban Canvas Phoenix has become the center of Arizona’s street art
Long before astronauts set foot on the lunar surface, scientists in Arizona were already studying it in remarkable detail. By the time President John F. Kennedy announced in 1961 that the United States would land a man on the moon before the end of the decade, researchers at the University of Arizona had already begun mapping the moon’s surface. Their work would prove critical to the success of NASA’s robotic missions and the historic Apollo landings. At the center of this effort was Gerard P. Kuiper, widely known as the father of modern planetary science. advertisement The Birth of Lunar
Arizona is a paradise for bird watchers, offering a diverse range of habitats that support both native species and migratory birds. From its desert landscapes to its high-altitude mountains, Arizona is home to an astonishing array of bird species. However, some birds in the state are considered rare, either due to their limited range, dwindling populations, or specific habitat preferences. In this article, we’ll explore some of the rarest birds in Arizona and what makes them so special. advertisement 1. California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) Status: Critically Endangered The California Condor is arguably one of the most iconic rare birds in
