Of the world’s 250 species of turtles, only about 40 species are tortoises, turtles that are adapted to live in arid habitats and eat plants, fruits, and berries. A great digger, the Gopher Tortoise uses its flattened front legs to dig burrows 10-35’ long in high, dry sandy soil. Over 100 different animals (snakes, frogs, toads, invertebrates and others) share these burrows. Populations are declining due to habitat destruction, slow reproductive rate, and heavy predation on young.

Latin Name: Gopherus Polyphemus

Habitat: Pine Flatwoods

Diet: Leaves, Grass, Wild Fruits

SPECIES ALERT! Species of Special Concern