Page 26 - Abacoa Community News - October '24

Page 26, Abacoa BW
Northern Notes

Gopher Tortoises Because gopher tortoises
are protected in Florida,
By Katie Roundtree, handling and relocation of
Director of Finance and gopher tortoises is illegal
Administration, Northern unless conducted under a
Palm Beach County valid permit issued by the
Improvement District Florida Fish and Wildlife
Gopher tortoises are Conservation Commission
one of five North American (FWC). An FWC relocation
tortoise species and one of permit must be obtained
the oldest living species on before disturbing burrows and conducting construction educating others on the
the planet. They are the only activities. Lucas Schaffer, Northern’s environmental importance of protecting
tortoise found naturally east manager, has taken courses and is certified as a Gopher gopher tortoises. Or
of the Mississippi River. It Tortoise Authorized Agent. As such, he is allowed by the simply admire a gopher
is a state-designated threatened species in Florida and FWC to survey, trap, transport and relocate tortoises as tortoise from a distance
is found in parts of all 67 Florida counties. The gopher necessary. and observe how they get
tortoise is about nine to eleven inches long when fully It is illegal to kill, harass or destroy gopher tortoises; around!
grown and is a tan, brown or gray color. Juveniles tend however, if you see a tortoise crossing a busy road, FWC NPDES tip: Do not pile garbage, trash, leaves, limbs
to be lighter brown and grants permission to move the gopher tortoise across the or garden debris in swales – this adds pollutants which
yellow-orange. Once they road in the same direction as it was heading as long as can wash into downstream waters. Do not park vehicles
reach adulthood, they can it is safe for you to do so. Do not move the tortoise to in the swale – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks
live almost 90 years! They another location or put it in a car, as this constitutes illegal in.
are identifiable by their possession. If you see a
stumpy, elephant-like hind sick or injured tortoise,
feet and flattened, shovel- contact a local wildlife
like forearms covered rehabilitator, such as Busch
in thick scales. These Wildlife Sanctuary, at (561)
shovel-like forearms are 575-3399 for assistance.
used to dig extensive Source: myfwc.org.
Photo credit: Lucas Schaffer, burrows for homes. Fun fact: April 10 is
NPBCID As their name insinuates, Gopher Tortoise Day! On
gopher tortoises spend this day every year we raise
almost 80 percent of their time in burrows. Burrows awareness and appreciation
average about 15 feet long and about 6 1/2 feet deep. Gopher for the gopher tortoise and
tortoises are ectotherms which depend on their environment all the benefits they provide
to maintain their body temperature. Their burrows help to the ecosystem. You can
maintain a stable temperature and protect them from extreme help celebrate Gopher
temperatures and fire. Here in South Florida, they are active Tortoise Day by hosting an
all year round. In contrast, in colder parts of Florida, they event in your community,
remain in their burrows during cold winter months. Gopher asking your local city or
tortoises are keystone species because their burrows provide county commission to
shelter and provide refuge for more than 350 other species, formally adopt April 10 as
such as burrowing owls, mice, indigo snakes, rabbits, Gopher Tortoise Day, and
opossums, foxes, gopher frogs and invertebrates.
Because of their burrowing needs, they prefer well-
drained, sandy soils in habitats such as longleaf pine sandhills,
scrub, pine flatwoods, dry prairies and coastal dunes. They are
also found in urban areas, as many of their natural habitats
have been developed by humans. A habitat with well-drained
soil, abundant plants to forage, and open sunny areas is ideal
for gopher tortoises. Gopher tortoises are herbivorous and
feed on low-growing plants. They may drink water pooled
after rainstorms, but most of their water needs are supplied
from the plants they eat.

Locally, there are large populations of gopher tortoises
in preserves maintained by Northern within Abacoa and
Botanica. Some of Abacoa’s preserves have trails within
them where you may catch a glimpse of a tortoise. Northern’s
environmental team works hard to maintain these pristine
natural lands so that native animals and plants can thrive for
years to come.

, Oct. 14
Monday
Monday, Oct. 14