Page 18 - Talk of Tequesta - October '24

Page 18, The Talk Of Tequesta

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Gopher Tortoises

By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

Gopher tortoises are Locally, there are large populations of gopher tortoises
one of five North American in preserves maintained by Northern within Abacoa and
tortoise species and one of Botanica. Some of Abacoa’s preserves have trails within
the oldest living species them where you may catch a glimpse of a tortoise.
on the planet. They are Northern’s environmental team works hard to maintain
the only tortoise found these pristine natural lands so that native animals and
naturally east of the plants can thrive for years to come.
Mississippi River. It is a Because gopher tortoises are protected in Florida,
state-designated threatened handling and relocation of gopher tortoises is illegal
species in Florida and is unless conducted under a valid permit issued by the
found in parts of all 67 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Florida counties. The (FWC). An FWC relocation permit must be obtained
gopher tortoise is about nine to eleven inches long when before disturbing burrows and conducting construction
fully grown and is a tan, brown or gray color. Juveniles activities. Lucas Schaffer, Northern’s environmental Fun fact: April 10 is Gopher Tortoise Day! On this
tend to be lighter brown and yellow-orange. Once they manager, has taken courses and is certified as a Gopher day every year we raise awareness and appreciation for
reach adulthood, they can live almost 90 years! They are Tortoise Authorized Agent. As such, he is allowed by the the gopher tortoise and all the benefits they provide to
identifiable by their stumpy, elephant-like hind feet and FWC to survey, trap, transport and relocate tortoises as the ecosystem. You can help celebrate Gopher Tortoise
flattened, shovel-like forearms covered in thick scales. necessary. Day by hosting an event in your community, asking your
These shovel-like forearms are used to dig extensive It is illegal to kill, harass or destroy gopher tortoises; local city or county commission to formally adopt April
burrows for homes. however, if you see a tortoise crossing a busy road, FWC 10 as Gopher Tortoise Day, and educating others on the
As their name insinuates, gopher tortoises spend almost grants permission to move the gopher tortoise across the importance of protecting gopher tortoises. Or simply
80 percent of their time in burrows. Burrows average about road in the same direction as it was heading as long as admire a gopher tortoise from a distance and observe
15 feet long and about 6 1/2 feet deep. Gopher tortoises it is safe for you to do so. Do not move the tortoise to how they get around!
are ectotherms which depend on their environment another location or put it in a car, as this constitutes illegal NPDES tip: Do not pile garbage, trash, leaves, limbs
to maintain their body possession. If you see a sick or injured tortoise, contact or garden debris in swales – this adds pollutants which can
temperature. Their a local wildlife rehabilitator, such as Busch Wildlife wash into downstream waters. Do not park vehicles in the
burrows help maintain a Sanctuary, at (561) 575-3399 for assistance. Source: swale – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks in.
stable temperature and myfwc.org. Photos by Lucas Schaffer, NPBCID
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 $ $ 100 OFF $ 250
for more than 350 other species, such as burrowing owls, 39Usually 95
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mice, indigo snakes, rabbits, opossums, foxes, gopher SERVICE CALL WITH ANY NEW UV LIGHT WITH ANY
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Because of their burrowing needs, they prefer well- CALL FOR SERVICE CALL FOR SERVICE CALL FOR SERVICE
drained, sandy soils in habitats such as longleaf pine 561-741-2825 561-741-2825 561-741-2825
sandhills, scrub, pine flatwoods, dry prairies and coastal Not valid with any other discounts, Not valid with any other discounts, Not valid with any other discounts,
dunes. They are also found in urban areas, as many of offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount
their natural habitats have been developed by humans. A per transaction. Expires 11/07/24. per transaction. Expires: 11/07/24. per transaction. Expires: 11/07/24.
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.

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