LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Nevada Department of Transportation has received a $16.8 million grant to protect the Mojave Desert tortoise and improve motorist safety.
NDOT aims to construct 61 wildlife crossings and install 68 miles of exclusionary fencing along U.S. Highway 93 in Southern Nevada.
This project is a step toward reducing wildlife-vehicle crashes and aiding the conservation of the Mojave Desert tortoise, a species listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act .
Key Benefits for Safety and Conservation:
- Protecting Drivers : The wildlife crossings will help prevent collisions between vehicles and animals, enhancing road safety.
- Supporting Tortoise Conservation : The project will stabilize the Mojave Desert tortoise population by reducing roadkill and improving habitat connectivity.
- Reducing Inbreeding Risks : By allowing safe passage across fragmented habitats, the crossings will promote genetic diversity and help tortoises adapt to climate change.
- Aid in Tortoise Recovery : The project is crucial for recovering the Mojave Desert tortoise, which has been severely impacted by habitat loss, disease, predation, and road mortality.