Page 14 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - October '24

Page 14, Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens
Northern Notes

Gopher Tortoises If you see a sick or injured tortoise, contact a local wildlife
rehabilitator, such as Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, at (561) 575-
By Katie Roundtree, 3399 for assistance. Source: myfwc.org.
Director of Finance and Fun fact: April 10 is Gopher Tortoise Day! On this
Administration, Northern day every year we raise awareness and appreciation for
Palm Beach County the gopher tortoise and all the benefits they provide to
Improvement District the ecosystem. You can help celebrate Gopher Tortoise
Gopher tortoises are Day by hosting an event in your community, asking your
one of five North American local city or county commission to formally adopt April
tortoise species and one of 10 as Gopher Tortoise Day, and educating others on the
the oldest living species on importance of protecting gopher tortoises. Or simply
the planet. They are the only admire a gopher tortoise from a distance and observe how
tortoise found naturally they get around!
east of the Mississippi NPDES tip: Do not pile garbage, trash, leaves, limbs
River. It is a state-designated threatened species in Florida grants permission to move the gopher tortoise across the or garden debris in swales – this adds pollutants which can
and is found in parts of all 67 Florida counties. The road in the same direction as it was heading as long as it is wash into downstream waters. Do not park vehicles in the
gopher tortoise is about nine to eleven inches long when safe for you to do so. Do not move the tortoise to another swale – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks in.
fully grown and is a tan, brown or gray color. Juveniles location or put it in a car, as this constitutes illegal possession. Photos by Lucas Schaffer, NPBCID
tend to be lighter brown and yellow-orange. Once they
reach adulthood, they can live almost 90 years! They are
identifiable by their stumpy, elephant-like hind feet and “Service is our number one priority”
flattened, shovel-like forearms covered in thick scales. 561-743-0070
These shovel-like forearms are used to dig extensive
burrows for homes.
As their name insinuates, gopher tortoises spend almost www.palmspoolservices.com
80 percent of their time in burrows. Burrows average about
15 feet long and about 6 1/2 feet deep. Gopher tortoises
are ectotherms which depend on their environment to
maintain their body temperature. Their burrows help
maintain a stable temperature and protect them from
extreme temperatures and fire. Here in South Florida,
they are active all year round. In contrast, in colder parts
of Florida, they remain in their burrows during cold
winter months. Gopher tortoises are keystone species
because their burrows
provide shelter and provide
refuge for more than 350
other species, such as
burrowing owls, mice, Expires 11/15/24.
indigo snakes, rabbits,
opossums, foxes, gopher State Licensed & Insured CPC #
frogs and invertebrates. Serving Palm Beach County 1457468 • LPG#30099
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 Experience Dentistry
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 with a
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. Woman’s Touch
Northern’s environmental team works hard to maintain
these pristine natural lands so that native animals and
plants can thrive for years to come.
Because gopher tortoises are protected in Florida,
handling and relocation of gopher tortoises is illegal unless Cosmetic & Comprehensive Restorative Dentistry
conducted under a valid permit issued by the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). An FWC
relocation permit must be obtained before disturbing State of the Art & Same Day Restorations
burrows and conducting construction activities. Lucas
Schaffer, Northern’s environmental manager, has taken
courses and is certified as a Gopher Tortoise Authorized Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation Available
Agent. As such, he is allowed by the FWC to survey, trap,
transport and relocate tortoises as necessary.
It is illegal to kill, harass or destroy gopher tortoises;
however, if you see a tortoise crossing a busy road, FWC Joanne Green, D.D.S.

10887 N. Military Trail, Suite 6

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

(561) 622-2815

www.joannegreendds.com

Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry - Cum Laude
Hospital of the University of Penn - General Practice Residency Training
Harvard Dental School - Former Instructor
Boston Brigham and Women’s Dental Group - Staff Dentist