Spatial Ecology of Sonoran Desert Tortoises (Gopherus morafkai): I. Fidelity in Home Range, Refuge Use and Foraging Behavior

Abstract The behavioral ecology of Sonoran Desert Tortoises (Gopherus morafkai) remains relatively unstudied. In general, Sonoran Desert Tortoises (SDTs) differentially use incised washes and rocky slopes and avoid open flats and intermountain valleys, except during apparent emigration events. We know relatively little about the temporal pattern of space use in SDTs and even less about such use in relation to sex. We observed activity of adult and juvenile SDTs via radiotelemetry, and hatchling activity incidentally, over a 3-yr period in central Arizona. The SDTs were most active in the fall (August–October) but exhibited a second peak of activity in the spring (April). On average, males moved longer distances than did females in every month of the year when SDTs were active. Distance moved by females in the fall was significantly greater than all other months except April; a similar pattern of greater male movement in the fall was apparent but not statistically significant. Activity of adults was detect...