Brian Henen, head of conservation at the Marine Corps base, explains that the desert tortoise is a keystone species, greatly influencing the whole ecosystem. They create burrows used by other species and aid in seed dispersion, affecting the native flora. This shows the importance of tortoise preservation for maintaining ecological balance in the Mojave Desert.
Since the establishment of the Tortoise Research and Captive Rearing Site in 2005, strategies have been developed to protect the threatened desert tortoise, combating risks like human encroachment and climate change. The site provides a sanctuary for around 1,000 tortoises, safeguarding them from various predators and human activities that threaten their survival.
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