The Turtle Conservancy, along with partners Andrew Sabin Family Foundation, Rainforest Trust and Global Wildlife Conservation, has acquired 1,000 acres of Tropical Deciduous Forest in southern Sonora, Mexico, for the protection of the newly described Goode’s Thornscrub Tortoise. This preserve is made possible in large part thanks to our on-the-ground partners, Nature and Culture International who have included the land into the management of La Reserva Monte Mojino. The habitat of the tortoise will also help save an incredible amount of biodiversity. Over a 4 day bioblitz conducted on the reserve by an international group of researchers, the team captured or observed 28 species of reptiles, 10 amphibians, six fish, two mountain lions and two jaguars. Over the 4 day expedition 23 camera traps revealed numerous mammal species including collared peccary, white tailed deer, antelope jackrabbit, coyote, and white nosed coati. Additionally, three of the five species of turtles and tortoises known to exist in the area were found. The biosphere reserve is uniquely located where the tropical deciduous forest meets the Sonoran Desert, so you can find Military Macaws and Desert Tortoises, Mountain Lions and Jaguars, Etcho Cactus and Ficus Trees all living together in the same habitat. This was a truly cooperative effort and a big thank you to all our supporters, partners and donors!