Too Warm to Hibernate: How Rising Winter Temperatures Affect Desert Tortoises

Grade:

8

Teacher:

Rodney Bosire

This project is the culmination of science fair research I have completed over the past five years (see BreakThrough YouTube video on the Reference Page). My previous studies have focused on desert tortoise habitat enclosures, adaptability, and conservation efforts near the Cienega Creek Preserve, where I live. This year, I selected this topic because the winter season was unseasonably warm, and I directly observed changes in the local environment that could impact desert tortoise conservation. During the fall and winter months, I noticed unusual blooming vegetation near my home, increased activity of insects and reptiles that would typically be dormant, and the presence of butterflies. Most notably, I observed a baby desert tortoise in December, which may suggest that seasonal behaviors were occurring earlier than expected. Warmer winter temperatures are an important area of study because they can affect ecosystems in subtle but significant ways. Desert tortoises rely on cool winter conditions to remain dormant in burrows, conserve energy, and survive until food and water become more available in the spring. If winters become warmer, tortoises may emerge too early, deplete stored energy reserves, and face limited food and water resources, reducing their chances of survival (Nussear, Esque, Haines, & Tracy, 2007). Studying these seasonal temperature changes helps scientists and students better understand how climate change may affect threatened species and their habitats. It also provides valuable information that can support conservation efforts aimed at protecting desert tortoises and desert ecosystems in a changing climate.

Project presentation