Desert tortoises with transmitters released near Las Vegas

Biologists say they've released 36 desert tortoises with transmitters affixed to their shells for an open-land study just south of Las Vegas.

The San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research study aims to collect data about the movements and habitat choices of the protected species.

Program conservation chief Paula Kahn said the goal is to boost recovery of the desert tortoise by finding the best methods for release and relocation.

Since 2009, the San Diego Zoo has been working with federal Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management and Nevada Department of Wildlife officials to operate the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center.

The program has been providing veterinary services to quarantine, diagnose and treat tortoises, to design predator-proof hatchling pens, and to conduct conservation research projects.