49th Annual Desert Tortoise Council Symposium

Attending the 49th Annual Desert Tortoise Council Symposium at the South Point Hotel, Casino, and Spa in Las Vegas, NV, over the past couple of days was an enjoyable experience. It was a pleasure to reconnect with familiar faces and forge new connections within the community. The symposium featured an impressive array of speakers, with discussions ranging from climate change's impact on desert tortoises to population demography and habitat connectivity assessments. Particularly enlightening were the presentations on road infrastructure and survey methodologies. I found the session on health and diseases especially informative, with three distinguished speakers shedding light on crucial topics. The release of head-started Bolson Tortoises in the United States, thanks to collaborative efforts, was a significant highlight. The presence of the Mohave Ground Squirrel Conservation Council further underscored our collective dedication to conservation. I extend a warm welcome to all new members and express gratitude to those who contributed to the MGSCC's conservation endeavors.