- published: 21 Oct 2014
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The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) 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. They are threatened by predation and habitat destruction.
The gopher tortoise is a representative of the genus Gopherus, which contains the only tortoises native to North America. This species of gopher tortoise is the state reptile of Georgia and the state tortoise of Florida.
The gopher tortoise is a fairly large terrestrial turtle which possesses forefeet well adapted for burrowing, and elephantine hind feet. These features are common to most tortoises. The front legs have scales to protect the tortoise while burrowing. They are dark brown to gray-black in overall color, with a yellow plastron (bottom shell). A gular projection is evident on the anterior plastron where the head projects out from the shell. Sexual dimorphism is evident, with male gopher tortoises having concave plastrons, while those of females are flat. In addition, the gular projection on male plastrons is generally longer than in females. Carapace length can range from 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in), with a height (to the peak of the shell at the middle of the body) of 15–37 cm (5.9–14.6 in). Body mass averages 4 kg (8.8 lb), with a range of 2–6 kg (4.4–13.2 lb). Gopher tortoises can easily drown since they do not swim well.
Please SUBSCRIBE NOW! http://bit.ly/BWchannel We all know the story of the tortoise and the hare but it might be time to rethink the concept of tortoises being slow! On this week’s adventure Coyote's chasing after some seriously speedy Gopher Tortoises on the Tortuga Trail Wildlife Preserve at Florida Atlantic University. Working alongside Tortoise Conservationist Jessica Huffman, Coyote will have to be quick on his feet to get an up close look at this remarkable keystone species…and unfortunately for Coyote he's also in for one “BIG” surprise! You aren’t going to want to miss this episode of Breaking Trail! Special Thanks to Jessica Huffman and all the members of SEEDS who helped in the making of this episode. Keep up all the incredible conservation work, you guys are the best! ...
In Florida, Sir David Attenborough uses a remotely controlled camera to follow a Gopher Tortoise into a burrow and see the wealth of life that uses it to take refuge from the elements. Brilliant wildlife video from Sir David Attenborough's natural history masterpiece, Life in Cold Blood.
Please SUBSCRIBE NOW! http://bit.ly/BWchannel Watch More - http://bit.ly/BTAtinyowls Get the crews reaction to Coyote’s antics in both filming Burrowing Owls and capturing Gopher Tortoises…oh, and getting pooped on! We all know the crew gets a good laugh when Coyote gets the “butt” end of these encounters! Breaking Trail leaves the map behind and follows adventurer and animal enthusiast Coyote Peterson and his crew as they explore a variety of wildlife in the most amazing environments throughout North America! Watch More Breaking Trail: animalist.com/breakingtrail Subscribe Now! https://www.youtube.com/user/BreakingTrail Find more info at: www.CoyotePeterson.com Coyote Peterson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/COYOTEPETERSON Coyote Peterson on Facebook: https://www.facebook.co...
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission needs your help in protecting the state-threatened gopher tortoise.The tortoise and its burrow are protected by state law. If one lives in your yard, keep dogs and children away from the burrow. While driving, keep an eye out for these slow-moving creatures on roads. Please give them time to cross. The FWC has a free Florida Gopher Tortoise smartphone app you can download to help us gather information on the tortoises. You can take a photo of a gopher tortoise or a burrow and it will be sent automatically to the FWC along with its GPS coordinates. Also, you can learn facts about gopher tortoises and take a quiz on what you've learned. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise.
The HSUS partners with a developer and a sanctuary to save hundreds of gopher tortoises threatened by a construction project. See how rescuers dig in to make this project a success.
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Help Gopher Tortoises!: http://bit.ly/gophertortoise With the help of partner program, 'Saving Florida's Gopher Tortoises', The Humane Society of the United States rescued burrowing gopher tortoises from a construction site in Apopka, FL, releasing them to the picturesque Nokuse Plantation.
Please SUBSCRIBE NOW! http://bit.ly/BWchannel Coyote struck out two times in a row when going after Gopher Tortoises in their burrows...but one last attempt at the end of the shoot could be his chance at redemption, will he pull it off or will the tortoises get the best of him? Don't miss this epic standoff between the Tortoise and the Coyote! Breaking Trail leaves the map behind and follows adventurer and animal enthusiast Coyote Peterson and his crew as they explore a variety of wildlife in the most amazing environments throughout North America! Watch More Breaking Trail: animalist.com/breakingtrail Subscribe Now! https://www.youtube.com/user/BreakingTrail Find more info at: www.CoyotePeterson.com Coyote Peterson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/COYOTEPETERSON Coyote Peterso...