Tortoise Digs Out Home In Sandy Areas The Gopher Tortoise

November 16, 1986

This Osceola resident was named for its gopher-like digging habits. It is the only tortoise in North America with flattened front limbs that are used in scooping out soil. The tortoise digs long tunnels with a resting chamber at the end.

Gopher tortoises are considered a keystone species because their burrows provide shelter for a variety of other animals. Some animals live in the burrows while others seek temporary sanctuary from their predators there.

Wildlife that use the gopher tortoise burrows include skunks, rabbits, opossums, burrowing owl, snakes, frogs and toads.

Look for the gentle gopher tortoise in sandy areas where there are pine trees and scrub oaks.

Because of the increased development of the sandy areas where gopher tortoises live, their numbers are declining and the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission has added them to its list of animals that may become threatened or endangered.

If you need more information on local wildlife, or wish to attend a Kissimmee Valley Audubon Society meeting or field trip, contact Liz Fishman at 396-2788.

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