Page 7 - magazine Spring 2011-1_Neat

by Roger & Susan Kolar

Mojave Max has emerged!

Max crept out of his burrow, with a dirty face
and empty tummy, on Wednesday, March 29, at
2:03 PM. We were fortunate to be there both to

take his emergence photo as well as provide
some tasty tortoise chow and water.

There have been a few changes in the habitat over the winter. Max has a second burrow with
more cacti and yucca planted to discourage visitors from reaching into the habitat. The best
time to view the tortoises is every Wednesday and Saturday morning as the volunteers feed the tortoises. That is when
the tortoises are most active. The habitat is fantastic and provides a great view of the tortoises and of Red Rock

It's amazing how much effort it takes to keep nine tortoises happy and healthy. From April to November, 27 volunteer
tortoise habitat monitors spent more than 448 hours in the
habitat. They fed the tortoises about 40 pounds of tortoise
chow, watched them eat an unknown amount of cacti,
filled the water dishes and provided information and
education to the thousands of habitat visitors. We

appreciate all your help and we think the tortoises do too!

We also want to thank Amelia Savage, BLM Wildlife
Biologist, for her enthusiasm, support and assistance.

Since March 2010, she trained 55 volunteers on the new
protocols and procedures for the habitat, cheerfully and
thoughtfully answering all tortoise related questions.
Amelia has taken up a shovel and improved the habitat by
changing burrows and planting cacti as well as working
closely with the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center to get
the tortoises’ medical care. She worked on Saturdays and
Sundays and is always enthusiastic about working with the

Roger Kolar and Amelia Savage tortoises and volunteers.
(continued on page 12)
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