Desert Tortoise Natural Area

The Desert Tortoise Research Natural Area (DTNA) is 39.5 square miles of prime natural habitat set aside for the desert tortoise, the official California State Reptile. The preserve boasts a rich flora and fauna representative of the intricate Mojave Desert ecosystem. In 1980, the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of Interior, recognized the significance of the DTNA by designating it an "Area of Critical Environmental Concern" and as a "Research Natural Area".

LOCATION

The Desert Tortoise Natural Area lies in the northwestern Mojave Desert on the western edge of the Rand Mountains in eastern Kern County. It is northeast of California City - a two-hour drive north from Los Angeles or east from Bakersfield.
The Interpretive Center, with parking lot, information kiosk, restroom, and access to self-guiding trails is located about 4 miles northeast of California City just off the unpaved Randsburg Mojave road -- marked by the red star on the map.

Maps and driving directions are available through Yahoo! Maps. Just click on the links below.

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Map of DTNA
Directions to DTNA

DTNA Location Map

WILDLIFE IN THE NATURAL AREA

There are many other animals present including the threatened Mohave ground squirrel, desert kit fox, coyote, badger, jackrabbit, desert woodrat, and kangaroo rat. Some of the lizards present are the collared lizard, the side-blotched, leopard lizard, chuckwalla, and the western whiptail. Examples of birds to be seen are the cactus wren, LeConte's thrasher, ash-throated flycatcher, red-tailed hawk, and ladderback woodpecker. Snakes common to the area are coachwhip, gopher, sidewinder, and Mohave rattlesnake. The Inventory of Vertebrate Animals lists all species known from the DTNA.

Wildlife is best observed in the spring months. Some species are most abundant during years when there are carpets of wildflowers as a result of a wet winter. There are over 160 different kinds of plants: desert candles, Mohave asters, primroses, blazing stars, coreopsis, lupines, phacelias, thistle sage and gilias, to name a few. Among the flowering shrubs, the creosote bush is conspicuous for its height and abundance, and essential for providing shelter for wildlife.

Take our Virtual Field Trip to discover more about the flora and fauna of the Desert Tortoise Natural area.