Page 17 - Southern Exposure - October '24
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Southern Exposure, Page 17
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Gopher Tortoises
By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District
Gopher tortoises are one of five North American covered in thick scales. environment to maintain
tortoise species and one of the oldest living species on These shovel-like forearms their body temperature.
the planet. They are the only tortoise found naturally are used to dig extensive Their burrows help maintain
east of the Mississippi River. It is a state-designated burrows for homes. a stable temperature and
threatened species in Florida and is found in parts of all As their name insinuates, protect them from extreme
67 Florida counties. The gopher tortoise is about nine to gopher tortoises spend temperatures and fire. Here
eleven inches long when fully grown and is a tan, brown almost 80 percent of their in South Florida, they are
or gray color. Juveniles tend to be lighter brown and time in burrows. Burrows active all year round. In
yellow-orange. Once they reach adulthood, they can live average about 15 feet long contrast, in colder parts
almost 90 years! They are identifiable by their stumpy, and about 6 1/2 feet deep. of Florida, they remain in
elephant-like hind feet and flattened, shovel-like forearms Gopher tortoises are ectotherms which depend on their 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, indigo snakes,
rabbits, 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.
Because gopher tortoises are protected in Florida,
handling and relocation of gopher tortoises is illegal
unless conducted under a valid permit issued by the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(FWC). An FWC relocation permit must be obtained
before disturbing burrows and conducting construction
activities. Lucas Schaffer, Northern’s environmental
manager, has taken courses and is certified as a Gopher
Tortoise Authorized 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
grants permission to move the gopher tortoise across the
road in the same direction as it was heading as long as
it is safe for you to do so. Do not move the tortoise to
another location or put it in a car, as this constitutes illegal
possession. If you see a sick or injured tortoise, contact
a local wildlife rehabilitator, such as Busch Wildlife
Sanctuary, at (561) 575-3399 for assistance. Source:
myfwc.org.
Fun fact: April 10 is Gopher Tortoise Day! On this
day every year we raise awareness and appreciation for
the gopher tortoise and all the benefits they provide to
the ecosystem. You can help celebrate Gopher Tortoise
Day by hosting an event in your community, asking your
local city or county commission to formally adopt April
10 as Gopher Tortoise Day, and educating others on the
importance of protecting gopher tortoises. Or simply
admire a gopher tortoise from a distance and observe how
they get around!
NPDES tip: Do not pile garbage, trash, leaves, limbs
or garden debris in swales – this adds pollutants which can
wash into downstream waters. Do not park vehicles in the
swale – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks in.
Photos by Lucas Schaffer, NPBCID
