08/26/2022
Did you know that gopher tortoises are an ancient species that can live to 80+ years? As adults, they have no natural native enemies, except humans. They are a keystone species, which means other species in an ecosystem largely depend on them, such that if they were removed, the ecosystem would change drastically. They dig burrows 8-10' deep and up to 40' long which can be home to 365+ species like: Indigo snakes, Florida mice, Gopher frogs and Burrowing owls.
They live in the high dry sandy soils that are especially at risk of development. Help secure additional habitat for these unique species by supporting the Polk County Water Resources and Environmental Lands Referendum that will be on the November 8th ballot!
