CSE's International Projects:

Desert Tortoise Research in the land of the Comcáac

The 2001-2002 Para-ecology training program trained Comcáac (Seri Indian) youth in biological monitoring and cultural histories of tortoises, sea turtles, invertebrates, and fish in on Seri tribal lands in Sonora, Mexico. Coordinated by Mercy Vaughn, Dr. Alice Karl, Gary Nabhan, Patty West and assisted by many experienced biologists, the program studied the health and mortality of the Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii).
 
 

These researchers, previously trained paraecologists and paraecologists in training found that although there are tortoises in the area the populations seem to be declining. The reasons for these declines need to be investigated further. Because the tortoise plays a significant role in Comcáac culture as shown in the many songs, poems and stories, there is concern within the community about the declines in the tortoise populations.

(Email Patty West)
 
For further information, see "When Desert Tortoises Talk, Indians Listen," in T.R. Vandevender's The Sonoran Desert Tortoise (University of Arizona Press, 2002) and Singing the Turtles to Sea (University of California Press, Berkeley, 2003).