Tortoise Group

Tortoise Group

Registration Program

Limited to residents of Nevada

Under the authority of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Nevada Department of Wildlife, Tortoise Group has performed adoptions of the threatened Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in Nevada for many years. The program ensures that the conditions for a desert tortoise are safe and offer a healthy environment. Tortoise Group’s program is limited to pet desert tortoises in Nevada.

REGISTER

Important points to know about pet desert tortoises

  • A desert tortoise must live outdoors.
  • A desert tortoise must have a well-insulated burrow.
  • A desert tortoise must be fed a healthy diet with supplementation.
  • A breeding or fighting pair of tortoises must be separated.

Things you should know if you want to become a tortoise custodian

  • Custodians must be adults (18 years or older) and residents of Nevada.
  • Caring for a tortoise is a long-term commitment; they can live 80-100 years!
  • For NEW adoptions, each household is limited to one desert tortoise.
  • All desert tortoises must be transferred or adopted through the approved federal and state adoption program through Tortoise Group.

Is it legal to possess a desert tortoise since they are protected as a threatened species?

The US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nevada Department of Wildlife are mandated to protect those tortoises born after the desert tortoise was federally placed on the Endangered Species List on August 4, 1989.

  • A  desert tortoise is legally held in captivity if:
    • The desert tortoise was acquired before August 4, 1989. Their progeny are also held legally.
    • The tortoise was adopted officially through the Tortoise Group Adoption Program approved by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • All other desert tortoises in Nevada can now be legally adopted by simply registering with the Register Your Pet Desert Tortoise(s) (RLAP) program.

Register your pet desert tortoise(s) (RLAP)

  • Do you already have a desert tortoise?
  • Has someone given you a desert tortoise (or are you thinking of accepting a tortoise?)
  • Have you found a desert tortoise that you would like to keep?

By using our new streamlined online system, you can register your desert tortoise and be the legal custodian of that tortoise. If you would like Tortoise Group to advise you on preparing or improving your habitat, you can schedule a yard consultation. Yard consultations can be performed in person or via video call depending on where you live.

To begin the RLAP process, click Register your existing pet Desert Tortoise(s) Application.