Gopher Tortoise Brochure - Seminole Tribe of Florida

WHAT IS A GOPHERTORTOISE?WHAT DO THEIR BURROWS LOOKLIKE?WHY ARE GOPHER TORTOISESIMPORTANT?Gopher tortoise burrows provide homes forover 360 various species, including the Federallythreatened Eastern indigo snake. Additionallythe gopher tortoise is a culturally importantspecies to the Seminole Tribe ofFlorida and is therefore identified as a speciesthat is to be conserved under theirwildlife management plan.Land turtleHerbivore; eats only vegetationAverages 9-11 inches in lengthCharacteristic stumpy, elephant-likehind feet and flattened, shovel-likeforelimbs adapted for diggingOblong shell; generally a tan, brown,or gray colorLive in sandy dry upland areasDig burrows up to 15 feet longwhich are also used by other speciesGopher tortoises are listed as athreatened species bythe State of Florida due to the rapiddecline in numbers resulting fromdevelopment and loss of habitat.Frequently the tortoise itself will not be seen,however, you may tell if a gopher tortoiselives in the area by identifying their burrows.Mound of lighter colored sand at the entrancecreated when the tortoise excavatesits burrowThe top of the burrow will have a halfmoon appearance and the bottom may beflat which is also the shape of the tortoiseDebris can often cover the entrance to anactive burrowBurrows can be well hidden: under rootsof vegetation and among vinesWHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU SEE AGOPHER TORTOISE OR AN INDIGOSNAKE?If you encounter a tortoise, burrow, orindigo snake, avoid all contact. If you aredriving a vehicle or heavy equipment, stop,cease operation and allow the snake and/ortortoise to move out of the area. Do not harassthe snake or tortoise in any way. If youencounter an indigo snake, gopher tortoiseor burrow please contact your supervisor orthe number at the back of this pamphlet andreport the location and circumstances.