About this episode

This episode explores the Mojave Desert and the role of desert tortoises in the ecosystem with wildlife biologist Brianna Fogel.

Did you know a single Mojave Desert tortoise burrow can become a shelter for rattlesnakes, owls, kangaroo rats, and many other desert animals? This week, we explore the Mojave Desert with wildlife biologist Brianna Fogel from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Learn how desert tortoises survive in one of North America's harshest environments, why they spend so much time underground, and why scientists call them a keystone species that helps support an entire desert community. ➡️ Part of the Wild Critters USA series, created with PBS Nature and the National Wildlife Federation ➡️ Learn more about desert wildlife with Ranger Rick Magazine: https://rangerrick.org/ ➡️ Learn more about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: https://www.fws.gov/ ➡️ Free Wild Critters USA coloring pages: https://www.cumbrekids.org/color-along 💬 Submit your kids' questions! https://⁠⁠www.cumbrekids.org/questions⁠⁠ 💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: ⁠⁠https://www.cumbrekids.org/curious-club ⁠⁠Orbit Family Conversation Starters! If you could design the perfect desert burrow, what would it be like and which animals would you invite to share it? Why do you think some animals can survive in…

People in this episode

Host: Cumbre Kids

Guest: Brianna Fogel

Topics covered

• Mojave Desert
• wildlife biology
• desert tortoises
• ecosystems
• keystone species

Keywords

• Mojave Desert
• tortoise
• wildlife
• ecosystem
• desert animals
• keystone species
• burrow
• survival

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, PBS Nature, National Wildlife Federation, Ranger Rick Magazine

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