'Desert Tortoise Week' is back with a month full of events

Experience educational activities during the fifth annual Desert Tortoise Week celebration.

Multiple government agencies and conservation organizations are partnering to raise awareness and promote recovery of one of the desert's most iconic species, the Mojave desert tortoise. This year's "week" has expanded, with events for the whole family kicking off Sept. 30 and continuing through Nov. 4.

The Mojave desert tortoise was listed under the Endangered Species Act as threatened in 1990 due to habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and predation. The tortoise faces many threats, but you can be part of the species' recovery by learning more about actions to help them during Desert Tortoise Week.

Join federal agency specialists and staff from conservation groups to share knowledge and ideas, and participate in events supporting this charismatic reptile. Check out the full schedule of in-person and online events happening in California, Nevada and Utah at http://www.fws.gov/office/Carlsbad-fish-and-wildlife.