Gopher Tortoise. photo courtesy of USGS
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Gopher tortoises are long-time Cedar Key residents. For reasons known only to the tortoises they have been conspicuous in their activity over the past several months. Florida, especially the open woodlands, suits the tortoises well. However, residential development and vehicular traffic has reduced tortoise populations severely. The Ashton Biodiversity Research and Preservation Institute near Archer, FL is a special source of information on gopher tortoises. Furthermore, the Ashton Biodiversity Reserve which is associated with the institute is a 200 acre gopher tortoise research center. The reserve is under the direction of Ray Ashton who has been active in the protection of endangered species or many years. Ashton is familiar with the ecology of Cedar Key and said the hot dry fall weather may account for the unusual activity of the tortoises. He added that there is new evidence of tortoise mating activity in late summer as well as the usual spring nesting period. Gopher tortoise populations can coexist with humans with careful planning. Ashton cited a recent program at San Pedro Island near Sarasota where residents and real estate developers have joined to have a community safe for tortoises. Simple devices such as crossing signs and barriers on sharp curves reduce traffic deaths. Also, planting vegetation that the tortoises prefer is helpful. Ashton's wife is a botanist who is an authority on tortoise forage plants. Cedar Key, like many islands, seems to favor turtle populations. Box turtles and diamond back terrapins are common here. Forage plants do well here, and fog drip in the mornings provided needed fresh water during periods of low rainfall according to Ashton. He added that Cedar Key has a very rare species of lizard as well as nearby populations of rare voles. Also, the growing Whooping Crane flock that over winters at a nearby refuge make even that very rare species a local sighting possibility. | 