The gopher tortoise is seen as a keystone species because it digs burrows that provide shelter for at least 360 other animal species. G. polyphemus is threatened by predation and habitat destruction.

The gopher tortoise is one of five North American tortoise species and is the only tortoise naturally found east of the Mississippi River. Its range includes the southeastern Coastal Plain from southeastern …

Dec 13, 2022 · The gopher tortoise is a large burrowing tortoise that occurs in upland pine forests of the southeastern United States. The gopher tortoise is one of five tortoise species native to North …

Jun 30, 2022 · What is a gopher tortoise? The gopher tortoise is about as charming as a tortoise can get. Originating 60 million years ago, it’s one of the oldest living species on the planet and the only …

The Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is one of a group of North American land tortoises that originated 60 million years ago, and is, therefore, one of the oldest species alive today. They are …

The Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is the only native tortoise species east of the Mississippi River and its range includes all 67 counties in Florida. Known for digging deep burrows that provide …

Found in the southeastern U.S., the gopher tortoise is critical to keeping its ecosystem healthy. Urbanization and other threats, however, have rendered this species vulnerable to extinction.

Because gopher tortoise burrows provide habitat for other species, gopher tortoise presence may increase local animal diversity. Many other animals seek temporary shelter or live permanently in …

What is a gopher tortoise? Learn about its habitat, burrows, role as a keystone species, and why this keystone species is vital to Florida’s upland ecosystems.

Gopher tortoises occur in upland habitats throughout the coastal plain of the southeastern United States, with most being found in north-central Florida and southern Georgia. Their numbers have declined …