1K views · 540 reactions | We had two gopher tortoise releases...

Take a look inside a gopher tortoise burrow! Biologists discovered a tortoise deep inside this burrow at Branan Field WEA in northeast Florida during a survey in December. Gopher tortoise burrows average 15 feet in length and 6.5 feet deep. The standard methodology we use is Line Transect Distance Sampling (LTDS) with burrow scoping that allows biologists to count actual tortoises and not just the burrows. Historically, the FWC counted burrows and estimated two burrows per tortoise. The LTDS met

22 reactions | Our White Springs facility in Florida has been home to threatened gopher tortoises for many years now. But what makes it such a great habitat? As Mike explains, it’s all about sandy soils, low-growing plants and open areas to nest and sunbathe. Learn more about our work to protect this threatened species: https://bit.ly/3m8l3lO | Nutrien | Facebook

4.2K views · 150 reactions | Join us for a Day in the Life of a Gopher Tortoise for Florida Gopher Tortoise Day! Gopher tortoises are a keystone species whose burrows provide important habitats for over 350 commensal species like indigo snakes, burrowing owls, etc. This is why protecting gopher tortoises & their habitat is so essential. | Defenders of Wildlife | Facebook