Save the Date for Gopher Tortoise Day

Spring is just around the corner and so is Gopher Tortoise Day on April 10, 2023! Save the Date for Gopher Tortoise Day Gopher Tortoise Day was founded by the Gopher Tortoise Council to increase appreciation and conservation support for one of Florida’s iconic species. Florida supports more populations of the gopher tortoise than any other state. Be part of Gopher Tortoise Day! As a Florida resident, you are an important part of conserving the state-protected Gopher Tortoise and we encourage you to participate in this year’s events. Celebrating and living alongside gopher tortoises is an important part of ensuring the tortoise, and the over 350 other species they provide shelter for in their burrows, will be around for years to come. More information will be coming on how to get involved, but in the meantime you can visit the Florida Gopher Tortoise Day website to get started on your plans for this year’s special day. - Create gopher tortoise friendly yards at your home and in your community to welcome gopher tortoises as part of your neighborhood. - Plan an event on or around April 10. Check out our Get Involved page for ideas or come up with your own. Please send your event info to [email protected] and we will add it to our upcoming events map. - Work with local governments and organizations in your area to pass a resolution celebrating Gopher Tortoise Day. Be sure to send a copy to [email protected] so we can share it. - Spread the word to your social media networks by posting using #GopherTortoiseDay. - Educators can create activities or lesson plans to celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day. Educational materials are available at the FWC’s Gopher Tortoise Program Education Corner and at the Florida Gopher Tortoise Day website. Read the full article

It's #givingtuesday once again, a day dedicated to collecting that post-Black Friday /cyber Monday spare change and using it for good!

While every day is a good day to give back, and donations are only one way to do it, we love that #givingtuesday reminds us that donations are a gift that gives back tenfold!

With this in mind, we have put together a small list of just a few organizations devoted to the conservation, education, and quality care of turtles and tortoises! These are just a few of the many organizations out there. We hope you'll share, add to the list, and donate if you can!  Our shell friends appreciate it!

The Turtle Conservancy

National Marine wildlife Center

American Tortoise Rescue

Turtle Rescue USA

Gopher Tortoise Council

LittleRESq  

Turtle Rescue of Long Island

Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre

Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

Turtle Survival Alliance

The Turtle Hospital

Mid Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society:

New England Wildlife Center

The Tiger Frances Foundation

Sea Turtle Conservancy

Charles Darwin Foundation

Wildlife Conservation Society

Marine Conservation Institute

Only in Florida can you:

--Arrive at the marina for the day's boating adventure only to find four cops have arrived to pull a dead body out of the water

--Awkwardly spy on a dolphin threesome for like a solid 20 minutes

--Have a wild gopher tortoise try to bite your mom's toes off

--Cap off the day by eating prey you actually caught yourself

(It was our first time ever going fishing, and despite me being less than nuts about the concept of sport fishing, our captain was very educated and mindful regarding ecology and I appreciated that. We released about as many as we kept and we made sure to respect size laws. Our haul was 6 grunt, 1 snapper, and 1 sheephead. My mom actually hooked a baby grouper that I reeled in, but it was too small to keep and was promptly released. And yes, all of these fish were quite delish)

Needless to say, it has been a wild day. I'm going to go pass out

Obtain Down To Sarasota County Florida

For several months many people in the USA have been locked down. This has indicated different points to various individuals. For those individuals who do not have the concern (or joy) of families, it has meant the simple aggravation of not being permitted the opportunity of interacting with good friends- for those that have kids as well as significant others the difficulty has been more trying. The suggestion that youngsters could possibly pose a challenge - or that a family could require some time far from the routine schedule of day-to-day live have not so lengthy earlier have seemed strange - but spend months in a home and even a country home without accessibility to the outdoors globe and also the concept of a vacation comes to be significantly attractive.

For those in the U.S., one of one of the most appealing destinations to invest time has always been Florida. There are a number of factors for this. The initial of these is almost blindingly apparent (excuse the pun) as well as that is the sunlight. Florida obtains a great deal of it - a standard of 237 days a year of sunshine defeating virtually every State in the United States. Yet there's even more to Florida than that wonderful sunshine that has it called the Sunlight State. There are manmade and also natural attractions that have people flocking towards the flora and fauna of this terrific State. Even amidst the great beauty and also destinations of Florida there are some locations that stand head and shoulders over the marvels that the State has to provide - as well as one of these is Sarasota Area.

What makes Sarasota County a crown gem in the already abundant collection of Floridian jewelry - it's worth a more detailed look for those that want to explore this terrific part of the United States and also what makes Florida such an attractive location for not just holiday-goers but also those that are looking for a place in the sunlight to make their residences.

Sarasota has actually been ranked as one of the leading areas to live in the United States every year and also when one takes a closer take a look at places such as Venice as well as Englewood it is easy to see why.

Let's take a closer look at Venice. This gorgeous spot on the Gulf of Mexico boasts not only fantastic views across the clear waters that have made Florida such an attraction to UNITED STATE tourists, but likewise to site visitors from throughout the world. It is not just a place that supplies a visual feast, but likewise one which would certainly make one of the most demanding of gastronomists stay up and also take notice. There is, for circumstances, the wonders of SharkyâEUR ™ s on the Pier, which not just supplies a wonderful chance to delight in the fish and shellfish deals with of the Gulf itself however likewise the possibility to take in several of the most spectacular views across the salt that the USA has to use.

Florida has far more to supply for those that want to sample the thrills of the Gulf of Mexico. There is for example the Siesta Trick. At this location, one can take in not only the warm waters of the Gulf itself, yet also the wonders of Siesta Public Beach - which has actually been identified as one of the most effective coastlines in the USA on many events. Of training course, the beaches of this wonderful item of Florida coastline are among the primary factors that individuals group to the area, yet there is much even more to appreciate. Take for circumstances Palmer Point Park, where one can obtain much from the madding group. On this secluded stretch of sand, one can genuinely immerse oneself in an atmosphere that has actually made Florida such a searched for location to toss off the cares of the modern-day globe. For nature fans it has to do with as best a location as can be - the flora and also animals are special to this component of the globe. One can take in the sights of gopher tortoises setting about their day-to-day business as well as likewise dip one's toes into the Gulf waters without the crowds that can characterize various other parts of the Florida shoreline.

Naturally, it's not everything about vacationing when it comes to being in Sarasota Region. There are many individuals who do not group to the Sunlight State in order to just take some time off to leave the everyday work that has actually now entered into our contemporary way of life. There are additionally those who intend to make this component of Florida their irreversible homestead. For much of these, Sarasota Springs is the place that will catch their eye. It is a suv neighborhood that flaunts outstanding eating and also purchasing possibilities. It is also a location that lots of would certainly choose due to the easy access to the major cities in Florida - is eliminated, however not up until now removed as to reject those who want very easy accessibility to big city life the possibility to take pleasure in that kind of way of life.

Sarasota County has a substantial variety of things to provide not just the laid-back site visitor - however also those who desire to clear up in as well as delight in that wonderful Florida sunlight. It is a place that a person can stray and pick up old shark teeth on the coastline and also then see the setting sunlight while appreciating a mixed drink on the deck of a fantastic restaurant. Afterwards - sit at an award-winning dining establishment. In Sarasota County, your option is what makes it so special.

For those in the UNITED STATE, one of the most attractive destinations to spend some time has constantly been Florida. Even amidst the wonderful beauty as well as attractions of Florida there are some places that stand head and shoulders over the marvels that the State has to offer - and also one of these is Sarasota Area.

Of program, the coastlines of this spectacular piece of Florida coastline are one of the major factors that people flock to the area, however there is a lot more to take pleasure in. On this remote stretch of sand, one can truly involve oneself in an environment that has made Florida such a looked for after location to throw off the cares of the modern-day world. One can take in the sights of gopher turtles going concerning their day-to-day business as well as additionally dip one's toes right into the Gulf waters without the crowds that can identify various other components of the Florida shoreline.

Reptiles and Amphibians to Be Honored at SEWE

A valid point is made in the beginning of a recent article in the Post and Courier.  It is true that people generally care about conservation. Millions are willing to do their part to reduce, reuse, and recycle.  They read the stories about hunted elephants and may even shed a tear for the polar bears and their changing homes.  However, it is harder to convince people that it is just as important to defend against the loss of reptile and amphibian species.

New steps are being taken to spread the message, though, and at the 36th annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE).

SEWE is a three-day event that celebrates wildlife and nature.  It is a large and eagerly anticipated event each year, drawing in people of all ages. There are a number of different forms of wildlife appreciation to be witnessed over the course of the three days. Fine art shows, educational seminars, sporting demonstrations, and numerous exhibits.  In fact, there are currently as many as 250 exhibitors listed on the SEWE website.

According to the article in the Post and Courier, as organization known as The Orianne Society will be among those attending the event and will bring an important message along regarding the importance of reptiles and amphibians to the environment. There are a few species that will be highlighted by Orianne Society, serving as examples of the tremendous losses that could be suffered if conservation efforts don’t improve.  The Eastern Indigo Snake and the Gopher Tortoise are two such species.

That tortoise is, in fact, one of the most emphasized of the animals to be discussed.  The society focuses on the shelter that the tortoise unintentionally creates for hundreds of other animals living in the same areas. It’s burrowing habits create safe hideouts for as many as 360 other species, according to the experts.

Reptiles and amphibians are amazing animals.  Fears and misunderstanding often slow conservation efforts related to these species, though.  It is a great thing that there are organizations like the Orianne Society to continue spreading the message about the beauty and importance of snakes, turtles, tortoises, lizards, frogs, and other such underappreciated animals.

Wildlife Weekly Wrap-Up: 07/14/17

Your weekly roundup of wildlife news from across the country

  WildSights:

  From Beth M. Dodd

From Beth M. Dodd

  Wild stories from the Week:

  Did you hear? There’s a new wolf pack in northern California called the Lassen pack! Learn more about what this exciting development means for wolf recovery in the Pacific Northwest: http://dfnd.us/2v9AY5A

 A man dreams of using his drone to help better manage PA’s precious #wildlife: http://dfnd.us/2uerh9E

As evidence mounts that we are entering a sixth mass extinction event, it is more important than ever to protect endangered species that are losing numbers and habitat at unprecedented rates: http://dfnd.us/2v86qBk

Fate of Pacific Northwest orcas tied to having enough Columbia River salmon: http://dfnd.us/2u50T0O

Now that we have evidence that suggests seismic surveys cause significant mortality to zooplankton populations, it’s a good time to ask: What other wildlife does seismic testing negatively affect? http://dfnd.us/2uIMlSB

  Our Defenders in Action:

  In Texas:   Last week Defenders of Wildlife had a booth at the LULAC 88th Annual Convention and Exposition in San Antonio, Texas.  The League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC as it is known, is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the country, founded in 1929 by a group of local Mexican American organizations in Texas.  They have chapters across the country and had almost 15,000 people in attendance throughout the week.  The conference panels and expo are free and open to the public, so we had the chance to talk with not only LULAC members but also Texans who drove from across the state to be a part of this annual event.  We are grateful to LULAC for the opportunity to participate in this special community event.

  In Peru:

Defenders of Wildlife co-hosted three two-day workshops in Peru to build capacity for environmental, marine, and custom agencies through developing shark fin identification techniques and discussing current events in trade.  Around 30 participants attended each workshop.  The first day of each of the three workshops was discussion-based, with members of different organizations, marine experts and agencies providing presentations and leading discussions on current topics in the international shark trade including CITES permits for shark, mantas and mobulas recently listed. Presentations included lessons on the FAO developed iSharkfin software and debates about the morphological differences between species of sharks.  The second day of each workshop was provided to develop the knowledge just learned and visit ports where shark landings were occurring and to develop identification techniques by handling actual shark fins and bodies. All of the participants contributed to three engaging and stimulating workshops, where everyone walked away with a better understanding of and appreciation for the CITES permitting process and the identification of sharks and shark fins.

  In Florida: Mike Adams, Senior Florida Representative is doing his part to connect the youth in his community with nature and wildlife conservation through his field excursions and William Bartram reenactments.  This summer Mike is involved with Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, Florida strategically located along the St. Johns River in Northeast Florida. He provides a natural history presentation portraying 1774 colonial naturalist William Bartram, artist, scientist, author and historian, who explored this region and the Southeast colonies. He presents information about wildlife that inhabited the Florida territory in the 1700s including manatees, gopher tortoises, red wolfs, whooping cranes, and even bison.  This is a wonderful community outreach platform and opportunity to impress upon our youth the importance of natural resource conservation for future generations.

  The post Wildlife Weekly Wrap-Up: 07/14/17 appeared first on Defenders of Wildlife Blog.

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It’s finally here! April 10th is the only day of the year completely dedicated to appreciating the superstars of southeastern scrub habitats- the gopher tortoises!

As I do every year, I will be using this day to share information, photos, and memes about our favorite charismatic tortoise species. Buckle up for a tortoise frenzy and please feel free to join me in celebrating with your own tortoise content!

Let’s get things started with a poll:

Fun and impactful ways to celebrate Gopher tortoise appreciation day!

1. Spend some time learning about this important keystone species

2. If you are lucky enough to live in gopher tortoise territory and happen to own land, why not look into making your property certified gopher tortoise friendly

3. If you’ve got a few bucks to spare it is always helpful to donate to organizations that work to preserve these tortoises and their habitats. I personally donate to Archbold Biological Station

4. Want to get involved in a more hands on way? Reach out to your local FWC to inquire about becoming a licensed gopher tortoise agent! These trained individuals are approved to handle gopher tortoises for relocation and conservation purposes.

Today is April 10th and you know what that means- it’s once again time to celebrate one of the best little reptiles on the planet. April 10th is considered Gopher tortoise day!

The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species and such a special gift to our ecosystems. I’ll be posting some of my favorite torts today in appreciation.

If you happen to live or own land in an area where this species is native, I recommend looking into how you can make your property safe for this gentle tortoise. You can even apply for a sign that declares your land as gopher tortoise friendly! I will definitely be doing this if I’m ever lucky enough to have a yard.

April 10th is Florida Gopher Tortoise Day! Did you take a moment to appreciate the Florida Gopher Tortoise? If not, here is a little post to appreciate this quiet gentle keystone species, along with one of their special little friends.

Florida gopher tortoises are so important to our ecosystems due to the intricate burrows that they dig, which provide housing for at least 360 different species of animals like small reptiles and mammals. It doesn’t sound like much, but without the burrows of the gopher tortoise, many of these animals would not be able to survive. In fact, Florida conservation groups working to save native wildlife like the burrowing owl often focus their efforts on gopher tortoise conservation as well due to their importance in the ecosystem. Our sweet gopher tortoises are threatened by loss of habitat and the pet trade, and they have been declared vulnerable on the IUCN Red list. The fact that this petite tortoise has a whole day dedicated to it should tell you how important it is!

Although many, many species are being affected by declining gopher tortoise populations, one very little animal is often overlooked. Ceratophaga vicinella is a fairly unimpressive looking species of moth, but it does something no other moth does. All moth larvae in the genus Ceratophaga feed on solid keratin, but most rely on the horns and hooves of dead ungulates. Ceratophaga vicinella is the only known species that feeds its babies exclusively on the shells of dead gopher tortoises. The fate of this moth is directly linked to our gopher tortoises, and we are seeing their numbers drop because of it. If we lose this species of moth, we lose a completely unique animal behavior that exists nowhere else on Earth. 

Next time you see a cute owl, coyote, rabbit, possum, snake, or toad, be sure to think of the gopher tortoise that may have built their home!

Shell-abrating Gopher Tortoise Day at the Wildlife Park

Emerging from her burrow, a gopher tortoise saunters to a sandy patch of ground being warmed by the morning sun, the perfect site to bask and raise her body temperature. The day ahead is filled with hours of grazing on tender shoots of early Spring grasses, her stumpy legs carrying her thousands of steps to find her favorite forage. She calmly watches as an indigo snake, a fellow threatened species, cautiously exits her burrow. Its glossy black scales shimmer in the sunlight as it passes by her to find its own basking site. After a short time, the gopher tortoise departs from her sandy patch, her domed shell disappearing as she ventures out to take her fill of cactus for breakfast.

Indigo snakes are often found in Gopher Tortoise burrows. 360 species use these burrows for their home or a refuge from storms and predators. Gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) are Florida’s only native tortoise and live completely on dry land. They are easily identified by their distinctive shovel-like forelimbs and stumpy, elephantine hind feet. Their shell is smooth and uniform from daily travel into and out of their sandy burrows, much like you’d expect sandpaper to smooth wood from constant abrasion. Gopher tortoises typically live in upland habitats such as sandhill, dry oak hammock, pine flatwoods, and coastal areas. They are also known for making burrows in spaces disturbed by humans and are frequently seen around powerlines, housing developments, and roadsides. Gopher Tortoise Burrows are critical to the Survival of Endangered Wildlife Unknown to many Floridians, these reptiles are critical to the survival of various wildlife throughout their range, earning them the designation as a keystone species. The gopher tortoise burrow is not only a refuge for the builder, but for about 360 other species as well. Some of these species include indigo snakes, pine snakes, foxes, gopher frogs, burrowing owls, Florida mice, toads, armadillos, and many invertebrates. Some make the burrow a permanent home while others may use it on a very temporary basis, such as escaping a predator or seeking refuge from fire. The burrow, along with the gopher tortoise, is protected by state law and must be relocated before any land clearing or development takes place. Permits must be applied for and obtained from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) prior to any tortoise-related relocation efforts. Gopher tortoises need large areas of undeveloped land that is free from human interference. Their primary threat is habitat loss through destruction, fragmentation, and degradation; unfortunately, their native habitat is desirable for development. Human-created barriers can limit access to burrow space and food, increasing the chance that tortoises will encounter humans. Their slow movement and affinity for roadside grazing increase the frequency of road mortality, further reducing populations.

How you can Help Gopher Tortoises How can you help gopher tortoises? Support agencies that conserve and manage land that includes gopher tortoise habitat, such as Florida State Parks. Learning about these fascinating animals and sharing information with others leads to a better understanding of their important role in the environment. If you have gopher tortoises on your property, appreciate them from a distance and keep dogs and children away. Never block a gopher tortoise burrow opening and avoid driving over or around the burrow. When driving on the road, stay alert and if you spot a tortoise give it time to cross the road. If you find an injured or dead gopher tortoise, do not remove it from the area. On weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., call 1-850-921-1030. After hours and on weekends, call the FWC’s toll-free Wildlife Alert hotline at 1-888-404-3922, or use #FWC or *FWC on your cell phone.

Image courtesy of FWC Shell-abrate Gopher Tortoise Day at the Wildlife Park Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park invites everyone to come out and celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. Park rangers and volunteers will be in the Garden of the Springs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with one of the Park’s resident gopher tortoise ambassadors. Learn about tortoises, hear their stories of survival, and get an up-close look at this fascinating threatened species. You’ll leave the park with a better understanding of how important gopher tortoises are in their habitat and what you can do to help protect them. The event is free, however regular admission is required to gain access to the park. Every visitor into the park will receive a token of tortoise appreciation (while supplies last). For more information on this and other events at the state park, visit FloridaStateParks.org. Read the full article

Chinsegut Conservation Center August 2018 Programs

Chinsegut Conservation Center is open to the public from 8 AM until 2 PM Fridays and Saturdays and other times for scheduled programs or by appointment. Educators and organized groups can book programs year-round based on staff and volunteer availability. The Center hosts many wildlife education programs and hikes throughout the year. Fun educational programs connect visitors with biologists and wildlife experts to explore and become familiar with Florida’s unique and sensitive natural areas. Located 6 miles north of Brooksville, Chinsegut Conservation Center Tract covers 408 of the 850 acres comprising Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA). August 2018 programs are below:

Chinsegut; A History

Christie Anderberg, long time Chinsegut historian will discuss the lands called Chinsegut and the many colorful characters that have made Chinsegut a place to rediscover treasured “lost” experiences. A great opportunity to learn about one of Brooksville’s most notable early residents. No registration required, free program. August 1st 6:00 PM Program Length: 1 hour

Pudgy Party

It’s S’mores Day, what better day to appreciate the campfire confection than joining us for a pudgy party. Learn to make a variety of treats around a campfire and enjoy them outdoors. If you want to continue the fun at home you can pre-order a pie-iron to take with you! Cost is $10.00 per person. Pie Irons $12.00. Register in advance at notaclueadventures.com August 10th 6:00 PM Program Length: 2.5 hours

Organized Archery Shoot 3-D

All members of the public are invited to bring their bows and join this exciting new opportunity to shoot a 15 lane 3-d archery course sponsored by Drawn by Grace. Fees are requested to help us maintain equipment and provide new exciting archery opportunities for the future. Fees: 12 and under are free, ages 13-16 $5, adults $10 or $25 maximum per family. For more information call the center at (352) 754-6722. August 11th 9:00 AM       Program Length: Allow up to four hours

Introduction to Nature Photography

Professional photographer and nature lover Alice Herden of Green-fly Media offers a monthly opportunity to learn more about your DSLR camera and getting great shots outdoors. Alice has an amazing nature portfolio and lots of opportunities for photographers of all levels to join her in the field. Registration and a $20.00 fee required. See more at Creative-Nature-Photography.com August 12th 10:00 AM Program Length: 3 hours

Image courtesy of FWC

Children in the WILD; Gopher Tortoise

This program for ages 5-9 allows children to explore some of the facets of life as a gopher tortoise and how they compare to other Florida turtles. This indoor program includes activities and a story. This is a free program, registration preferred at MyFWC.com/Chinsegut August 18th 2:00 PM Program Length: 1 hour

Walking Sticks; Florida Trail

The Florida Trail connector through the Chinsegut WEA (CWEA) was officially blazed this year. Join a guided hike from the South Trail Head at Snow Memorial and US 41 to the exit on to Snow Memorial Highway at the north end of CWEA. This is a free hiking opportunity for adults. Please let us know you’re coming at (352) 754-6722. Hike approximately 2.5 miles. August 25th 8:00 AM Program Length: 2 hours Read the full article

Celebrate the Gopher Tortoise this April 10th!

Step Aside Gator Fans: It’s the Gopher Tortoise’s Time to Shine

The state of Florida conjures up images of alligators, panthers, dolphins and many other charismatic wildlife that call the Sunshine State home.  One animal that often gets overlooked on that list, is the uniquely named gopher tortoise.  The gopher tortoise is also one of Florida’s finest species, but less people know about this truly fascinating creature that almost exclusively makes its home in Florida.  For this reason, the Gopher Tortoise Council and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have designated April 10, 2017 as Florida Gopher Tortoise Day.

The goal is to increase awareness, appreciation and protection for the gopher tortoise, an amazing, long-living (their average lifespan is 60 years), gentle reptile and its dwindling habitat.  The gopher tortoise is listed as threatened in the state of Florida which represents the largest portion of its habitat range.  Once found widely throughout the southeastern United States, habitat loss has all but driven the gopher tortoise out of these neighboring states and into its last stronghold in the state of Florida where it faces new threats of development, habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation.

What’s in a Name?

You might be wondering “what kind of animal is a gopher tortoise?” It sounds like something cooked up in the lab of a mad scientist fusing animal species together.  Alas, the gopher tortoise is not some half fuzzy, half scaly creature out of science fiction, but its name, albeit strange, is actually quite accurate for this unique reptile.

Gopher tortoises are so named because of their ability to dig large, deep burrows—essentially, they are tortoises with the impressive digging skills of a gopher. They have strong, sturdy back legs that provide stability and specialized shovel-like front legs that enable their skillful digging and burrow engineering. Their burrows are like subterranean villages that often have multi-directional tunnels. One such burrow, excavated in the Florida Panhandle, was recorded at 65 feet long and 26 feet deep!

The gopher tortoise burrows are so impressive their neighbors are clamoring to move in. Their burrows play an indispensable role in their native ecosystem and are often used as shelter by other species particularly during the chilly winter months or as temporary refuge during wildfires.

Because their burrows provide shelter to over 350 other species of wildlife, called “commensals,” gopher tortoises are considered a keystone species. Among the commensal species that take up residence in the tortoise’s burrow are the gopher frog, Florida mouse, Eastern indigo snake, burrowing owl and hundreds of invertebrates like beetles and crickets. Without the gopher tortoise, many of these species would not survive.

From Sun Helmets to Stew: A Brief History of the Gopher Tortoise in Florida

Gopher tortoises occur throughout the state and people may frequently encounter them in suburban neighborhoods, along roadways, and in many public recreational lands. This amazing reptile has been roaming the upland pine forests, sandhills and even coastal dunes of the deep south for thousands of years.

Throughout its storied history in Florida, the gopher tortoise has served many useful purposes. Ancient Native Americans had a monetary system using the gopher tortoise shell.  Shells were also used as baskets, pots and even sun helmets. Tortoises were a reliable source of food during the Great Depression of the 1930s, when there was little else to eat. Of course, historically these so-called ‘Hoover chickens’ were much more plentiful 90 years ago. Today, Florida’s fast-paced development and the threats of habitat destruction, fragmentation and degradation have left the gopher tortoise population a fraction of what it used to be.

In Harm’s Way

Despite our seemingly insatiable desire to invade and develop key habitat for the gopher tortoise and other wildlife, the gopher tortoise is tolerant of humans and even makes a good neighbor. For the most part they keep to themselves, holed up in their burrows. Beginning in the warmer spring months, they become increasingly active, leaving their underground burrows in search of spring greenery to eat and, in many cases, seeking out a mate. This is when we are more likely to encounter these unassuming neighbors who want nothing more than to go about their business at a comfortable pace (as tortoises are want to do). In this critical time of potential interaction between tortoises and humans, we can be vigilant and help our friendly reptilian neighbors by:

Watching out for a tortoise crossing the highway and, if it’s safe to do so, picking it up and placing it on the roadside in the direction it was heading.

If you move a tortoise don’t put this terrestrial animal in the water. Even though they can be found in coastal dune systems, they cannot swim a stroke.

Supporting highway crossings that allow tortoises and other wildlife to safely cross busy roadways.

Supporting Defenders’ work in Florida and throughout the country. Defenders has a very active gopher tortoise conservation advocacy program in Florida.

How Defenders is Helping the Gopher Tortoise

Defenders supports gopher tortoise conservation by monitoring legislation, participating in policy workgroups, coordinating with state and federal wildlife agencies to protect and restore habitat, and educating the public about the importance of these amazing animals.

The Defenders Southeast region staff actively serves on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Gopher Tortoise Technical Assistance Group that provides scientific  information and technical assistance to FWC staff concerning regulations, management and conservation of gopher tortoises. They are also involved with several other working groups throughout Florida, like the Gopher Tortoise Candidate Conservation Committee, as well as other southeastern states.  Through these groups, they work to explore, coordinate and address the best ways to protect, restore and preserve suitable habitat.  One critical ecosystem Defenders focuses its efforts on is the preservation of longleaf pine wire grass, a preferred habitat for the gopher tortoise.

Celebrate the Gopher Tortoise this April 10th!

You can help celebrate Florida’s only native tortoise (in fact, the only native tortoise east of the Mississippi River) by hosting an event in your community, asking your local City or County Commission to officially adopt April 10th as Gopher Tortoise Day, and/or by educating others on the importance of protecting gopher tortoises and their habitat.

    To learn more about this special tortoise or the Second Annual Florida Gopher Tortoise Day visit our gopher tortoise fact page.

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