Conserving reptiles — and training troops – in the Mojave Desert

The arid Mojave desert sprawls across roughly 50,000 square miles, mostly in southeast California and southern Nevada. Several rare species of wildlife live here, including the western pond turtle and the Mojave desert tortoise. These reptiles thrive in habitat free from development and human intrusion — and they find it on the Mojave’s vast military bases. CEMML, in partnership with the Air Force, is keeping a close eye on their behavior and numbers.

December 2, 2025

A career-changing student finds success through CEMML

With the help of CEMML’s Early-career Development Program, James Fujioka is making a transition from managing kitchens to managing natural resources. After beginning his career in the culinary arts, the added stress of working in the restaurant industry during the pandemic, combined with his love for the outdoors, made him rethink his career trajectory.

July 6, 2023

Helping to protect the threatened Mojave Desert Tortoise at Nellis Air Force Base

Every spring, during active tortoise season, a team of CEMML wildlife specialists conducts weekly surveys for signs of tortoise activity on Nellis Air Force Base and the Nevada Test and Training Range. The Air Force utilizes the survey data to minimize potential impacts to the species and plan for conservation opportunities such as habitat restoration.

October 7, 2021