After a wet winter, spring flowers and other plants sprouted with vigor — a double-edged sword for the threatened Mojave desert tortoise, as the same luscious vegetation they feast on could put them at risk in hot, dry Southern Utah.
By Alysha Lundgren | St. George NewsIncreased moisture will positively impact the species by providing a greater forage variety during their active spring season, said Ann McLuckie, a wildlife biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Tortoises are more likely to be out and about as they feed.
Additionally, this year’s juveniles will have a better chance of survival as “when they break out of their eggshell and come to the surface, there’s going to be additional forage for them,” McLuckie said. More precipitation can also increase growth rates, so these young reptiles are more likely to reach adulthood, she added.
This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aim to inform readers across the state.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Letter: Utah Inland Port Authority dismisses conservationistsOn May 11, a small group of Utah conservationists gathered in the Utah Capitol rotunda, including representatives from Friends of the Great Salt Lake, Utah Physicians for Healthy Environment, and Utah Valley Earth Forum. We were there to voice concern for the proposed inland ports across the state. As a Utah County resident and member of the Utah Lake Conservation Coalition I was there to speak on behalf of Utah Lake.
Les mer »
Southern Utah University student defies odds, summiting Mt. Hood after accident left him paralyzedAfter an unfortunate accident that left him paralyzed neck down, a student at Southern Utah University climbed the tallest peak in Oregon.
Les mer »
Utah will remain smoky through the weekend due to Canadian wildfires, state agency expectsUtah County’s air quality was forecast as moderate Saturday but is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups on Sunday, before moving back to a moderate rating on Monday.
Les mer »
Utah Man Confesses to Killing Wife and In-Laws, Cops SayJeremy Bailey, 34, allegedly told dispatchers “he was thinking of doing this a few days ago.”
Les mer »
20 New Electrify America DC Fast Charging Stations Coming To UtahNext year, the fast charging infrastructure in Utah will get a noticeable boost as Rocky Mountain Power, intends to install 20 stations.
Les mer »
Smoky air wafting into Utah from Canadian wildfiresUtah got a hefty dose of smoky air in the moderately unhealthy range from wildfires burning in Canada, but luckily it shouldn't be here much longer.
Les mer »