Page 9 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - January '21

Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens, Page 9
Northern Notes

Gopher Tortoises also protect them from extreme temperatures and fire. Here activities. One of
in south Florida, they are active all year round, where in Northern’s staff
By Katie Roundtree, colder parts of Florida, they remain in their burrows during members has
Finance Director, Northern cold winter months. Gopher tortoises are considered taken courses and
Palm Beach County keystone species because their burrows provide shelter and is certified as a
Improvement District serve as refuge for more than 350 other species such as Gopher Tortoise
Gopher tortoises are one burrowing owls, mice, indigo snakes, rabbits, opossums, Authorized Agent.
of five North American foxes, gopher frogs and invertebrates. As such, he is
tortoise species and is the Because of their burrowing needs, they prefer well- allowed by the
only tortoise found naturally drained, sandy soils found in habitats such as longleaf pine FWC to survey,
east of the Mississippi River. sandhills, scrub, pine flatwoods, dry prairies and coastal trap, transport and
It is a state-designated dunes. They are also found in urban areas, as many of their relocate tortoises
threatened species in Florida natural habitats have been developed by humans. A habitat as necessary.
and is found in parts of all 67 with well-drained soil, abundant plants for foraging and open It is illegal Photo by Lucas Schaffer, NPBCID
Florida counties. The gopher sunny areas is the ideal location for gopher tortoises. Gopher to kill, harass or
tortoise is about nine to eleven inches long when fully grown tortoises are herbivorous and feed on low growing plants. destroy gopher tortoises; however, if you see a tortoise
and is a tan, brown or gray color. Juveniles tend to be lighter They may drink water pooled after rainstorms, but most of crossing a busy road, FWC grants permission to move the
brown and yellow-orange in color. They are identifiable by their water needs are supplied from the plants that they eat. gopher tortoise across the road, in the same direction as it was
their stumpy, elephant-like hind feet and flattened, shovel-like Locally, there are large populations of gopher tortoises heading as long as it is safe for you to do so. Do not move the
forearms covered in thick scales. These shovel-like forearms in preserves maintained by Northern within Abacoa and tortoise to another location or put it in a car as this constitutes
are used to dig large burrows for homes. Botanica. Some of Abacoa’s preserves have trails within them illegal possession. If you see a sick or injured tortoise, contact
As their name insinuates, gopher tortoises spend almost where you may catch a glimpse of a tortoise. Because gopher a local wildlife rehabilitator, such as Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
80 percent of their time in burrows. Burrows average tortoises are protected in Florida, handling and relocation of at (561) 575-3399 for assistance. Source: myfwc.org
about fifteen feet long and about six and a half feet deep. gopher tortoises is an illegal activity unless conducted under a NPDES Tip: Do not pile garbage, trash, leaves, limbs or
Gopher tortoises are ectotherms, meaning they depend valid permit issued by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation garden debris in swales – this adds pollutants which can wash
on their environment to maintain their body temperature. Commission (FWC). An FWC relocation permit must be into downstream waters. Do not park vehicles in the swale
Their burrows help to maintain a stable temperature and obtained before disturbing burrows and conducting construction – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks in.

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