Q: Why do Desert Tortoises need to be adopted?
A: The Desert Tortoise, Nevada's state reptile, is listed as "Threatened" under the Federal Endangered
Species Act because of population loss in their native habitat. As development in the Las Vegas
area continues, there is a need to find homes for many tortoises that are displaced. The cannot
be added to existing wild populations as there is not enough food to go around. Captive desert
tortoises are now legal statewide only through sanctioned adoption programs. Its is still illegal
to pick one up in the wild.
Q: How do the Reno Tur-Toise Club (RTTC) and the Fish and Wildlife Service monitor adoption? A: RTTC will not allow adoption if the adopter is under 18 and its without the permission and acceptance of responsibility by the parents. In addition, a RTTC volunteer will inspect the yard of each potential tortoise adopter to make sure that it is Tortoise-safe. Each wild tortoise adopted will have a micro-chip I.D.number painlessly implanted under its skin so the tortoise can be tracked if it is lost or stolen.
Q: How much does it cost to adopt a Desert Tortoise?
A: Adoption of a Desert Tortoise is FREE. However, ther are often costs associated with owning
a tortoise, such as making your yard tortoise-safe, feeding the tortoise, and just
as with any pet, sometimes a trip the veterinarian is necessary.
Q: How does the adoption process work?
A: Fill out adoption forms. A RTTC volunteer wil review your application, and come out to visit
your house and make sure your yard is tortoise-safe. The RTTC volunteer may also give you
and your tortoise periodic check-ups to answer any questions and make sure that your desert tortoise
adoption experience is positive for both of you.
Q: Just what is tortoise-safe?
A: Briefly, tortoise-safe means that your yard must be large and dig-proof. (If a tortoise
digs out of a yard in Northern Nevada and they are strong diggers -- it will surely die from
predators or exposure). The tortoises must be able to roan freely without danger of tipping
themselves over by protusions such as boulders, and unstacked wood piles. Each tortoise must
have its own burrow. (See adoption application for a more complete checklist.)
Q: What happens in winter?
A: Because of the extreme cold winters in Northern Nevada, Desert Tortoises must be allowed to
hibernate indoors in a cool room (between 40-50 degrees F).
Q: Can I keep my tortoise inside in the summer too?
A: No. Tortoises cannot be kept in pens in the house because they need direct UV rays of the
sun to thrive.