Rand Mountains Desert Tortoise Preserve

This region of the Rand Mountains probably has the highest concentration of the desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizi, of any area in California. In addition to the tortoise population, over 14 species of snakes such as the rosy boa, Lichanura trivirgata, and sidewinder, Crotalus cerastes, are found in the Preserve as are nine species of lizards, including the banded gecko, Coleonyx variegatus, and desert iguana, Dipsosaurus dorsalis. Among the other animals of the Preserve is the rare Mojave ground squirrel, Citellus mohavensis.

Creosote bush scrub is the dominant vegetation type. The common shrubs include the creosote bush, Larrea tridentata, burro bush, Ambrosia dumosa, indigo bush, Psorothamnus arborescens var. simplicifolius, thornbush, Lycium andersonii, and cheesebush, Hymenoclea salsola.

Among wildflowers are the apricot mallow, Sphaeralcea ambigua, peach thorn, Lycium cooperi, and Mojave aster, Machaeranthera tortifolia. The rare Chorizanthe spinosa and Hemizonia arida occur here.

Integrity: There are few roads in the area and some mines. Use by off-road vehicles has damaged portions.

Use: Research, educational, observational, on public sector. Remainder private. The tortoises are protected by law.

Ref: Burt, W. H. 1936. Notes on the Habits of the Mojave Ground Squirrel. J. Mammal 17 (3) pp.221-24.

Berry, Kristin, 1974. Proposed Desert Tortoise Natural Area. Bureau of Land Management, Unpub.

July 1975