In recent years, the rise of solar energy farms in the Mojave Desert has led to the displacement of the threatened desert tortoise species. Developers of solar projects are relocating tortoises to new habitats, but the creatures often return to their original homes. Laura Cunningham, a biologist, warned that tortoises are at risk when they linger near solar farm fences, making them vulnerable to predators.
Developer Candela Renewables plans to relocate 114 adult desert tortoises for a new solar project, Rough Hat Solar, in the Mojave Desert. Despite efforts to minimize disturbance to the land and allow tortoises to reoccupy the site, concerns remain about the long-term impact on the species. Environmental groups like the Western Watersheds Project urge developers to consider sites on already disturbed lands rather than disrupting habitats with large tortoise populations.
As more solar projects are proposed in the Mojave Desert, conservationists warn about the challenges of relocating desert tortoises. They emphasize the importance of protecting the fragile ecosystem while meeting the growing demand for renewable energy.
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