Page 4 - The Islander - October '24

Page 4, The Islander

northern noteS

Gopher Tortoises

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

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

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