The desert tortoise is probably the coolest reptile around | Mojave Desert Land Trust

In this presentation, MDLT Joint Executive Director Kelly Herbinson talks about desert tortoises including why they are so important for our deserts, what is causing their numbers to continue to decline, and what you can do to help preserve this incredible species and its habitat. Kelly Herbinson has spent the bulk of the last 18 years working as a field biologist in the Mojave Desert with the threatened Desert Tortoise, specifically in the intersection of large-scale renewable energy development and endangered species protection. She holds a Master of Science degree in Ecology and Systematics, and earned a distinguished Master’s thesis award for her research on the relationship between climate and harvester ant behavior. She also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in nonfiction writing and has published essays expounding on the wonders of science and nature, and is an advocate for preserving wilderness. Before joining MDLT, Kelly worked at the Turtle Conservancy. She served on the Mojave Desert Land Trust's Board of Directors from 2013-2021.