Desert Tortoise: Star of the Southwest

For this episode, Amazing Wildlife is headed towards the Mojave Desert to spotlight a long-lived species known for its thick shell, the desert tortoise! Hosts Rick and Ebone reveal facts about these tortoises, including their surprising speed and why they are classified as a keystone species (meaning if you protect this species you’ll also protect several others). Melissa Merrick, Associate Director of Recovery Ecology, joins the show to discuss how San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and its partners are working to help these tortoises survive after years of population declines.

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