The Swamp Sanctuary is No Home for Gopher Tortoises

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If solely gopher tortoises may learn. This poor tortoise, looking for its manner round in some very swampy habitat, was on the lookout for dry land when it encountered the entrance door of the Blair Customer Middle. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary shouldn’t be the place it belongs!

Why is it right here?

Through the years, well-meaning people have introduced gopher tortoises to the Sanctuary, considering this might be a secure place for them to reside. 

Despite the fact that the Sanctuary protects wildlife and a number of other totally different habitats, there’s not sufficient appropriate habitat right here for gopher tortoises to outlive.

Plus, they’re a state-listed Threatened species. It’s unlawful to maneuver them!

What do gopher tortoises want?

Gopher tortoises require open, sunny areas for basking and foraging. They depend on well-drained habitats with sandy soil the place their favourite vegetation can develop, like broadleaf grasses, blanket flower, and prickly pear cactus. However most significantly, they want well-drained soil through which to dig their burrows, the place they escape excessive temperatures, keep away from wildfires, and lay their eggs. With out the appropriate soil, their burrows may collapse.

What ought to somebody do in the event that they see a gopher tortoise?

Shifting or dealing with gopher tortoises in Florida is illegitimate in most conditions. If you happen to discover a tortoise in an surroundings the place it could not sometimes be discovered, be aware the situation, take a photograph if potential, and name (850) 921-1030. 

Report sightings of gopher tortoises and burrows by way of the FWC gopher tortoise reporting webform.