GARY
BUCCIARELLI
Ecologist
Evolutionary Biologist
DESERT TORTOISE PROJECT
Desert tortoise conservation genomics
I am assisting the Shaffer Laboratory and UCLA graduate student Evan McCartney-Melstad with a research project that is evaluating how desert tortoise genomics can be used to understand and model the movement of genes on the desert landscape. As solar energy becomes increasingly popular in the desert regions of the southwest, Evan's research will help to inform land management agencies of the corridors that are most
critical to protect and ensure continued gene flow. You can check out Evan's website for more details.
The desert tortoise
This one was found near the Kelso Dunes. Desert tortoises are facing challenges as the desert continues to be developed for solar power and people keep taking them as pets.
Collecting blood samples for DNA extraction and analyses
The potential for transmission of infectious disease is so severe that you wear two gloves - remove one and throw it out if you touch anything. Phil Spinks finding the membrane to draw a blood sample from.
Bleeding desert tortoises
Evan schooling the boss! Brad got it on the first try.
First try
Janet Vu was a great help keeping the tortoise under control while I took the sample. She is also great with GIS and has done a solid amount of work on this project.
Team work
Janet drawing a blood sample for subsequent DNA extraction.