Our History
In 2002, the U.S. General Accounting Office completed an audit of recovery actions for the Mojave desert tortoise, with the primary recommendation to “develop and implement a coordinated research strategy that would link land management decisions with research results.” The 2004 Desert Tortoise Recovery Plan Assessment reiterated this recommendation by calling for a Desert Tortoise Recovery Office to facilitate such coordination. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established the DTRO in 2005.
Our Mission
Improve progress toward recovery of the Mojave desert tortoise by applying a coordinated, science-based program to guide conservation among partners and stakeholders that is focused on alleviating high-priority threats.
Our People
Kristina Drake
Desert Tortoise Recovery Coordinator, Las Vegas, Nevada
Kim Field
Desert Tortoise Recovery Biologist, Reno, Nevada
Kerry Holcomb
Desert Tortoise Recovery Biologist, Palm Springs, California
Corey Mitchell
Desert Tortoise Monitoring Coordinator, Tucson, Arizona