I’d never heard of this species before. But 37 endangered bolson tortoises are on the ground in New Mexico, having been transported over from Arizona. The nearly three dozen tortoises will form the nexus of a captive breeding colony looked after by wildlife biologists working at Ted Turner’s Armendaris and Ladder ranches. Another four have been placed at the Living Desert Museum.
The bolson tortoise has likely been around the Southwest for thousands upon thousands of years, but wasn’t described in the scientific literature until the 1950s.
Read about the reintroduction effort at the Rewilding Institute’s Blog. The species went on the endangered species list in 1979. You can read the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s listing document here.
Dear Mr. Gregory,
I am a docent at the Living Desert State Park. The Bolson Tortoises we have are a big hit with our younger visitors and fuels many questions from everyone. Having a chance to be a part of saving this animal is great .I extend a invitation for you to come and see them for your self. We are open seven days a week from 8 - 6 .
christa