ANTHROPOGENIC THREAT TO THE DESERT TORTOISE (GOPHERUS AGASSIZII): LITTER IN THE MOJAVE DESERT

Anthropogenic threats to reptile populations within desert ecosystems in the Southwest take many forms. As humans have become more prevalent in the desert, other associated impacts have increased, such as the presence of ravens and feral dogs, use of off-road vehicles, construction of roads and fences, and dumping of garbage and litter (Boarman 2002). Effects of garbage and litter on reptiles are poorly understood mainly because of the rarity of observing what are primarily chance encounters. Furthermore, there are few places where such observations can be published and that limits both the dissemination of information to a broader audience and the critical discussion and assessment of these issues as threats. However, our review of the literature revealed isolated instances of litter as a source of concern for some reptiles. Snakes and lizards have died, received severe lacerations, or experienced reduced mobility from entanglement with litter.