I joined the Turtle Survival Alliance to track Radiated tortoises in the wilds of the spiny forest — a punishing three-week overland journey across southern Madagascar.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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Galapagos Islands, Galápagos Tortoise, Tortoise, Tortoise Conservation
Galápagos tortoises may make annual treks of 10-15 km seeking food, water, and nesting grounds. In March I spent three weeks on Santa Cruz island with biologist Patrick Moldowan to learn more.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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Dwarf Tortoise, South Africa, Tortoise Conservation
Springtime on the untouched veld of the Northern Cape, in South Africa, yields wild outbursts of flower power. The landscape harbors a wealth of bulbs — more than 1,350 species, including 80 endemics — that don’t, and can’t, grow anywhere else.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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Aldabra Giant Tortoise, Islands, Rodrigues, Tortoise Conservation
I’m excited about François Leguat Reserve because it is quite literally dependent on giant tortoises to serve their natural ecological functions and help do their part in restoring a portion of the island’s coastal ecosystem. Today more than 3,000 tortoises live on the 20-hectare reserve — replacement species for the original tortoises that went extinct.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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Mojave Desert, Mojave desert tortoise, Tortoise
It’s February in St. George, Utah, snow is on the mountains, and I’m hiking in tortoise country with about 40 other tortoise nerds. We’re here for the Desert Tortoise Council symposium, and early arrivers like me are rewarded with a field trip.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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Coachella Valley, Mojave Desert, Mojave desert tortoise
A tortoise count is happening in the Coachella Valley— and I’m tagging along.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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Mojave Desert, Mojave desert tortoise
There’s an entire industry set up to manage tortoise populations. At the center of the action is the Desert Tortoise Council, a brain trust of biologists, ecologists, and conservationists who have been training people for 30 years to help protect these tortoises.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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“What other bodily being possesses such a citadel wherein to resist the assaults of Time?” That’s Herman Melville talking about tortoises. In 10 vignettes he paints a portrait of the Galapagos Islands, and the tortoise is a recurring character.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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American Museum of Natural History, Galápagos Tortoise, Tortoise
When you set foot in the Hall of African Mammals at the American Museum of Natural History for the first time, it’s startling to see the elephant’s foot… at eye level.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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American Museum of Natural History, Galápagos Tortoise, Tortoise
Lonesome George’s time on earth ended before I ever got to meet him.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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African Spurred Tortoise, American Museum of Natural History, Tortoise
If you believe that the American Museum of Natural History’s interest in animals begins with fossils and ends with taxidermy, prepare to be surprised!
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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