Developmental projects in the Mojave Desert might destroy the ecosystem for desert tortoise

Utility-scale bailout in the Nevada desert and California was started before 2010; conservationists and scientists have gained information about the adverse effects to species and biodiversity from large energy projects. The largest solar farm in the US project is the Gemini Solar Project and it will cover 11 square-mile radii. This initiative will negatively impact the federally protected species of the desert tortoise. This mostly inhabits the Mojave Desert and there is a large decline throughout its range. The article proposed by the government fails to highlight the extent of the impact on public lands. Biologists were hired by Solar Partners LLC to estimate the damages the project will cause and they stated that the excavation will lead to removal and excavation of almost 215 adult turtles from their home ecosystem.

Translocation of tortoises cannot be considered due to the fact that other developmental projects have drastically reduced the mortality rate by 50%. Juvenile tortoises are very small and biologists find it difficult to remove them. The Mojave Desert is a beautiful location covered in shrubs and grass habitats. Due to developmental projects, the whole place would be run over by heavy machinery. Conservationists believe that these public lands and wild ecosystems must be protected.