Gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) are long-lived reptiles native to the southeastern United States. They occupy upland habitat throughout Florida including forests and pastures. Gopher tortoises are herbivore scavengers and consume a variety of plants, including grasses and terrestrial legumes. (Photo by FWC Research)

In Florida, the gopher tortoise is listed as threatened and both the tortoise and its burrow are protected under state law. A keystone species plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community. The gopher tortoise is a keystone species because it digs burrows that provide shelter for more than 350 other animal species. The decline of a keystone species is especially hard on a wildlife ecosystem.

Protected habitat like the Preserve is very important to the long term survival of the gopher tortoise. Periodic gopher tortoise surveys are done at the Preserve and the results reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Conservation of the gopher tortoise depends not only on the efforts of FWC and other conservation groups, but also on Florida’s citizens. For more information on Gopher Tortoises, see:

http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/gopher-tortoise/

Want to become a citizen scientist and help the FWC? There’s an app (Android and iOS) for that

http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/gopher-tortoise/app/