Page 7 - Talk of Tequesta - January '21
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The Talk Of Tequesta, Page 7
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Gopher Tortoises
By Katie Roundtree, Finance Director, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District
Gopher tortoises are one coastal dunes. They are also found in urban areas, as relocation of gopher tortoises is an illegal activity unless
of five North American many of their natural habitats have been developed by conducted under a valid permit issued by Florida Fish
tortoise species and is humans. A habitat with well-drained soil, abundant plants and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). An FWC
the only tortoise found for foraging and open sunny areas is the ideal location relocation permit must be obtained before disturbing
naturally east of the for gopher tortoises. Gopher tortoises are herbivorous burrows and conducting construction activities. One
Mississippi River. It is a and feed on low growing plants. They may drink water of Northern’s staff members has taken courses and is
state-designated threatened pooled after rainstorms, but most of their water needs are certified as a Gopher Tortoise Authorized Agent. As such,
species in Florida and is supplied from the plants that they eat. he is allowed by the FWC to survey, trap, transport and
found in parts of all 67 Locally, there are large populations of gopher tortoises relocate tortoises as necessary.
Florida counties. The in preserves maintained by Northern within Abacoa and It is illegal to kill, harass or destroy gopher tortoises;
gopher tortoise is about Botanica. Some of Abacoa’s preserves have trails within however, if you see a tortoise crossing a busy road, FWC
nine to eleven inches long them where you may catch a glimpse of a tortoise. Because grants permission to move the gopher tortoise across the
when fully grown and is a tan, brown or gray color. gopher tortoises are protected in Florida, handling and road, in the same direction as it was heading as long as
Juveniles tend to be lighter brown and yellow-orange in it is safe for you to do so. Do not move the tortoise to
color. They are identifiable by their stumpy, elephant-like another location or put it in a car as this constitutes illegal
hind feet and flattened, shovel-like forearms covered in possession. If you see a sick or injured tortoise, contact
thick scales. These shovel-like forearms are used to dig a local wildlife rehabilitator, such as Busch Wildlife
large burrows for homes. Sanctuary at (561) 575-3399 for assistance. Source:
As their name insinuates, gopher tortoises spend almost myfwc.org
80 percent of their time in burrows. Burrows average NPDES Tip: Do not pile garbage, trash, leaves, limbs
about fifteen feet long and about six and a half feet deep. or garden debris in swales – this adds pollutants which can
Gopher tortoises are ectotherms, meaning they depend wash into downstream waters. Do not park vehicles in the
on their environment to maintain their body temperature. swale – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks in.
Their burrows help to maintain a 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. Gopher tortoises
are considered keystone species because their burrows
provide shelter and serve as 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 found in habitats such as longleaf
pine sandhills, scrub, pine flatwoods, dry prairies and Photo by Lucas Schaffer, NPBCID
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