Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Fritts, T. H., & Jennings, R. D. (1994). Distribution, habitat use, and status of the desert tortoise in mexico. Fish and Wildlife Research, 13, 49–56.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (30 Oct 2011 14:52:34 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Fritts1994 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Gopherus, Gopherus agassizii, Habitat = habitat, Nordamerika = North America, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Testudinidae Creators: Fritts, Jennings Collection: Fish and Wildlife Research |
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| Abstract |
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Testudinidae We recorded 17 new localities of the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in Mexico based on specimens and 10 additional sight records, increasing the known range by about 48%. The range includes most ofSonora except the northwestern comer and parts of the Sierra Madre Occidental and northern Sinaloa (south as far as EI Fuerte). The northern and eastern limits of the range in Sonora are generally defined by the BOO-m contour, but occupied habitats in southern Sonora and northern Sinaloa are only as high as 300 m. Tortoises seem to be absent between Guaymas and Alamos, Sonora. We do not consider Baja California a part ofthe tortoise's range. In Mexico, desert tortoises occur on slopes, bajadas, and the sides ofarroyos and seem to be absent from valley floors and other flat areas. Tortoises may be more abundant and have a less patchy distribution at intermediate elevations (300-500 m) than at lower elevations and on coastal mountains. Only in two areas does human use of tortoise meat seem to have reduced the abundance of tortoises. The wide expanse of tortoise habitat, the largely inaccessible area, and the difficulty of finding tortoises on steep and densely vegetated slopes deter human use of this species. Steep rocky slopes also protect the tortoise and its habitats from intensive agriculture and vehicular traffic
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |