Page 2 - PGA Community News - January '21

Page 2, PGA C.A.N.! January 2021 January 2021

Northern Notes

Gopher Tortoises Locally, there are large populations of gopher tortoises

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

Editorial Board SALES - SERVICE - RENTALS

COME VISIT OUR SHOWROOM in the NEW Downtown at the Gardens
Editor: James A. Cioffi 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Avenue, Suite 3106, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410
james@jcclaw.com
Feature Writers: Dawn Levinstein, POA 561-629-7507
Commissioner Hal R. Valeche
O’Neal Bardin Jr. WWW.BBV.VILLAINMTB.COM
Contributing
Reporter: Don Kiselewski
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