Page 11 - PGA Community News - October '24

October 2024 October 2024 PGA C.A.N.!, Page 11
Northern Notes

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

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