Mahmood "Noon" Mokhayesh

Mr. Mahmood K. Mokhayesh is an accomplished wildlife biologist and environmental compliance consultant with deep specialization in the Mojave Desert ecosystem. He brings extensive experience in the conservation, research, and management of a wide range of sensitive and federally or state-listed species, including the Mohave ground squirrel, desert kit fox, western burrowing owl, American badger, and Mojave desert tortoise. His career spans more than 1,500 field survey miles, supporting compliance and biological monitoring efforts across complex renewable energy and infrastructure projects throughout California and Nevada.

Mr. Mokhayesh’s fieldwork includes hands-on experience with mark-recapture studies and biological sampling of the Mohave ground squirrel (Xerospermophilus mohavensis), during which he has processed individuals across life stages and reproductive conditions. His efforts include establishing and managing 7x7 and strategic trapping grids, applying PIT and ear tags, and collecting tissue, scat, and weight data for population and health studies. He has conducted habitat assessments following Leitner and CDFW guidelines, confirming live detections in key conservation zones.

His expertise with the western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) is similarly extensive, with over 408 dedicated field hours. Mr. Mokhayesh has conducted preconstruction and breeding-season surveys, habitat assessments, and passive relocation efforts involving advanced techniques such as camera trapping, down-hole scoping, and the installation of one-way doors and deterrents. He has implemented exclusion zones and habitat buffers, interpreted complex burrow systems with overlapping species sign, and maintained regulatory compliance under Incidental Take Permits (ITPs).

Mr. Mokhayesh is an authorized desert tortoise biologist recognized by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). He has handled more than 84 wild Mojave desert tortoises, performing health assessments, tagging, telemetry tracking, transmitter attachment, and assisting with blood draws. His tortoise work includes leading presence/absence and clearance surveys, excavating burrows, and ensuring compliance on USFWS-permitted projects in high-impact areas. His deep understanding of tortoise behavior, habitat use, and survey methodology has made him a valued contributor on solar, pipeline, and military-base projects.

Mr. Mokhayesh is proficient with a variety of geospatial and data collection tools, including ESRI Field Maps, Survey123, Garmin Basecamp, and Wildnote. He routinely leads QA/QC efforts for field teams, ensures schema compliance for clients such as SCE, and coordinates survey logistics in extreme desert conditions. As a HAZMAT-certified technician and United States Army Warrant Officer with CBRN expertise, he is cleared to operate on U.S. military installations and integrates seamlessly with both civilian and defense projects.

Beyond core species, Mr. Mokhayesh has contributed to conservation efforts for California red-legged frog, foothills yellow-legged frog, western pond turtle, California tiger salamander, vernal pool branchiopods, southwestern willow flycatcher, San Joaquin kit fox, flat-tailed horned lizard, Temblor legless lizard, and marine mammals. He is certified in numerous workshops and technical trainings and is actively involved in professional organizations such as the Desert Tortoise Council, Mohave Ground Squirrel Conservation Council, and The Wildlife Society Western Section.

His dedication to the intersection of ecological stewardship and responsible development is demonstrated through a career that consistently supports regulatory compliance, scientific rigor, and long-term habitat conservation.