CRITTERS MAY 24 , 2021
This critter photo was taken by Russ Hall. His note follows.
This is a gopher tortoise, the iconic Florida land turtle that once occupied most of the Florida peninsula (and small parts of adjacent states). Numbers have been drastically reduced by development and fire suppression.
Their burrows, up to 30 feet deep, protect them from fires and provide essential shelter for dozens of rare species. In that role they are an important “keystone species.” I have never seen one on the Cedar Keys, despite reports of an apparently lonesome individual on Seahorse Key. Not good swimmers, they could probably save themselves if set adrift in a flood.
I am interested if others are aware of their status on the islands. Is there a long persistent population on the Cedar Keys, or is the one we saw likely a released captive?
If you have information, please, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Staff will forward the information to Dr. Hall.
*********
