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October Species: Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
I was riding along on a trail when I saw what looked like a large rock in the distance. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the rock was actually a tortoise! I knew Florida was known for its Gopher Tortoises but I had never actually seen one in person before. It wasn’t in too much of a hurry so I was able to snap a pic and confirm its identity with the Seek app.
Gopher Tortoises are cool for many reasons. They are the only native tortoise species found east of the Mississippi and can live up to 75 years. They dig underground burrows that can span as far as 40 feet which makes them a keystone species, meaning they do something that is so impactful, it helps shape the community they live in. Their burrow provides shelter for up to 360 other species, which use it to escape the heat, a place to lay eggs or raise their young, and as a refuge during the vital fires that are necessary for the ecosystem.
Unfortunately due to humans and habitat loss, Gopher Tortoises are considered to be a threatened species with only an estimated 700,000 left in the wild. Since my original encounter, I’ve come across them on several more occasions- luckily they can call the Goethe Forest home. If you ever come across a Gopher Tortoise, the best thing to do is leave it alone. They are protected and it's illegal to move them, but you should report their location to the FWC website so scientists can work to protect them and their environment.
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