Can Pet Tortoises be Repatriated?
Desert tortoises with pet and wild backgrounds were experimentally translocated to the Large-Scale Translocation Study (LSTS) site near Jean, Nevada in the spring of 1998. These tortoises received identical treatment upon translocation allowing comparison of the successes of translocating tortoises from pet or wild backgrounds. All experimental tortoises spent time at the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center (DTCC) in Las Vegas, Nevada before being translocated. Tortoises with wild backgrounds were collected from new urban development sites and were placed in holding pens at the DTCC in 1997. Unwanted pet tortoises also were taken to the DTCC. Thirteen wild adults, two wild juveniles, 17 pet adults and eight pet juveniles were equipped with radio transmitters and translocated in April 1998. The tortoises were monitored for 14 months. During that time, movements, changes in body mass, changes in carapace length, and a qualitative assessment of general condition were measured. Pet and wil
