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Gopher Tortoise
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These were very common in the sandy soil all around the beach houses in New Smyrna Beach, and some burrows were over a foot wide to accommodate their large size.
iNaturalist link www.inaturalist.org/observations/167109048
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae. The species is native to the southeastern United States. 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. Habitat degradation is the primary reason that the gopher tortoise is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, but they are considered threatened in some states while they are endangered in others.[4]
The gopher tortoise is a representative of the genus Gopherus, which contains the only tortoises native to North America.
Jenny Pansing photos
Ile aux Aigrettes, Mauritius
There were originally 5 species of giant tortoise in the Mascarene Islands (Mauritius, Reunion and Rodrigues) and they were a vital part of the eco system on the islands particularly for seed dispersal. All were hunted to extinction and the Aldabra Tortoise of the Seychelles is now the nearest living relative. These have been introduced onto Ile aux Aigrettes to help fill the void left by the extinct native species.
This endangered tortoise appears to be on a mission as it kicks up some sand.
Thanks so much for the visit!
The Radiated Tortoise (Geochelone radiata) is one of the most protected species of tortoise in the world. Within the reptile world, it is something of a poster child for environmental conservation. In the U.S., this means that--in order to keep them legally--one must obtain a USFWS captive bred wildlife permit, and many states require their own licenses atop this U.S. one!
The protection is helping. Today, it is likely that over 3,000 of these tortoises are living and breeding in the U.S., while civilization continues to encroach on their homelands in Madagascar.
The captively-cared for juvenile photographed here is approximately four years old and could have well more than 100 years to go!
Like many a teen, this young Radiated Tortoise (Geochelone radiata) is getting to know himself. After all, he is only 13 years old and could easily have another hundred years of life ahead of him! At almost 15" long, he is basically full-grown at this point. And he's spends much of his time running about, flexing his muscles, and looking for ladies. Sometimes, he gets so excited by this search, he has to remind himself to eat.
Interestingly, this captively-cared for tortoise is a smart fellow who recognizes his keepers and will come up for head and shell scratches when they are within eye shot!
Aldabra Tortoises may live over 150 years. They evolved their giant size on small islands free from threats of humans.
Taken at Taronga Zoo in Sydney during a recent visit.
I grew up around gopher tortoises, and it's really great to see them thriving in my neighborhood. A common sight that never gets old. Their burrows are widely used by other species throughout the ecosystem, making gopher tortoises a keystone species with a pivotal role to play in their native community.
The gopher tortoise is a species of the Gopherus genus native to the southeastern United States. The gopher tortoise is seen as a keystone species because it digs burrows that provide shelter for at least 360 known other animal species. Hernando, Florida, USA.
Passed this fella making his way down the trail also. The official state tortoise of Florida is the gopher tortoise.
Withlacoochee State Trail, Florida
Spotted this tortoise when I drove by the park on my way home last March. It was busy feeding on the grass so I pulled over and very slow and carefully took one step closer each time I got a chance when it's head was down on the grass. Surprised I could get that close without being spotted. I even got a short video. They're such nice creatures. They look so harmless .. never bothered anyone it seems.
Giant tortoise portrait, taken with a Nikon D600 and 300mm Nikkor lens. All my published books, available world wide, can be viewed here:
www.amazon.com/stores/Paul-Moore/author/B0075LNIO2?ref=ap...
Tortoise
Tortoise
Thrill Jockey (1994)
White jacket with silk-screened print and white center labels with green print.
Issued with an insert and a catalogue sheet.
The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is located in the Greater Victoria region of Brentwood Bay and is one of the most popular tourist sites in the Victoria area. The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is known for having different species of butterflies and moths in their indoor facility, as well as birds, fishes, frogs, a chameleon, geckoes and tortoises.
(Sq Crop) A very lovely "Small Tortoiseshell" Aglais urticae.. butterfly sun bathing whilst feeding on some "Buddleja davidii" ?? in Shaldon.. A sight to behold
I just met this big girl in my backyard. Not the same Gopher Tortoise as the previous photo. It's biggest one I've seen so far; easily a foot long. I've been down with a cold, but I hope to get out on the river tomorrow with the camera.
Citrus County, FL
During a recent trip in the foothills, we almost ran over this little guy. He was sitting in the middle of a country road just kind of kicking back. It wasn't a very good place for what he was doing this so I stopped and put him on the side of the road. I tried to get a picture of him with his head out of the shell, but he was a little camera shy. He might have been mad that I moved him from his spot in the road. Anyway, this was the best shot I could get.
Desert tortoise on his rounds to find food
One of the most difficult issues facing tortoises is high mortality among the newly hatched. It is believed that only 1-5 of 100 tortoises born survive to adulthood.
Photo to Painterly Effect. The Galápagos tortoise or Galápagos giant tortoise is the largest living species of tortoise and the 14th-heaviest living reptile.
In Florida gopher tortoises are on the Endangered Species List, categorized as a Threatened Species.
The gopher tortoise (gopherus polyphemus) belongs to a group of land tortoises that originated in North America 60 million years ago, thus making it one of the oldest living species.
Gopher tortoises are so named because of their ability to dig large, deep burrows. The gopher tortoise is unique in that it is one of the few tortoises to actually make large burrows. Many tortoises hide under vegetation or use very shallow burrows.
These guys are a lot more gentle than the Snapping Turtle. In fact, I don't think you can get one to bite you. (smile)
I found this one on the Pevine Trail in Osceola County, Florida.
Gopher Tortoise in Florida. They live on dry land and burrow into the sand and dirt to make tunnels for their home's. These guy's are very fast on the surface,