Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) Morphometrics and Egg Data from Seven Sites across the Mojave, (1997-2002)

These data were acquired from 7 study sites distributed across the range of Gopherus agassizii. Data were collected from 1997 to 2002 as part of three separate studies, although data were not collected at all sites in each year. Radio-transmitters were attached to the carapace of 151 females and VHF radio-telemetry was used to relocate animals to assess reproductive status. Egg production was determined from X-radiographs taken weekly/biweekly intervals (depending on the study) using a portable X-ray machine between April and July or August of each year. In addition, the mean carapace length (MCL) of each tortoise was measured at each time of capture or recapture using calipers (mm). A nesting event was recorded if a female previously observed with eggs was observed without eggs during a subsequent X-ray session.

These data support the following publication:
Mitchell, C.I., Friend, D.A., Phillips, L.T., Hunter, E.A., Lovich, J.E., Agha, M., Puffer, S.R., Cummings, K.L., Medica, P.A., Esque, T.C. and Nussear, K.E., 2021. 'Unscrambling' the drivers of egg production in Agassiz's desert tortoise: climate and individual attributes predict reproductive output. Endangered Species Research, 44, pp.217-230.