Gopher Tortoises on the Van Fleet State Trail

The gopher tortoise plays an important part in the natural communities in the state of Florida. The gopher tortoise is one of only five North American tortoises and the only tortoise naturally found east of the Mississippi River. Gopher tortoises occur in parts of all 67 Florida counties.

On the General James A. Van Fleet State Trail, you are very likely to see a gopher tortoise roaming around or munching on grasses. Oftentimes you will see the gopher tortoises foraging for food, however, did you know that they play important roles in their natural communities? 

Gopher tortoises are known as keystone species meaning they play an important role in their ecosystems that positively benefit many species. If the gopher tortoises were removed from their habitats it would cause detrimental effects to the ecosystem. 

We can thank the gopher tortoise for the survival of many plant and animal species here on the General James A. Van Fleet State Trail. Gopher tortoises create large burrows that can extend underground for up to 25ft. These burrows are vital to not only the gopher tortoise but also to more than 350 species of plants and animals. 

The burrows maintain a stable temperature year-round providing protection from extreme temperatures, predators, drought, and fire. Without the gopher tortoise and their burrows, many species would struggle for survival. Some wildlife species that depend on these burrows are the burrowing owl, Florida mouse, Eastern Indigo Snakes, gopher frogs, invertebrates and many other species.

Gopher tortoises are also known as “ecosystem engineers” because they quite literally construct, and alter their habitat, think of them as the housing contractors of their habitats!

As you walk or bike along the General James A. Van Fleet State Trail and you see a gopher tortoise or its burrow imagine what else might be residing in the burrow beside the gopher tortoise!

Threats to the gopher tortoise have been loss of habitat, habitat destruction, and vehicle-caused fatality. Tortoises often create burrows and forage for food near roadways which has led to road kill being one of the major causes of death for gopher tortoises. 

Gopher tortoises are currently listed as a threatened species in Florida.

Ways you can help the Gopher Tortoise:

• If you are driving in an area that has high gopher tortoise activity remember to drive slowly and look out for tortoises ahead on the road and side of the roads. 
• If you see a gopher tortoise crossing the road, safely without causing harm to yourself help the tortoise cross the road. Never remove a gopher tortoise from its area.
• When visiting the trail keep an eye out for gopher tortoises as you walk or bike. Look out for baby gopher tortoises which can be mistaken for pine cones.
• Please don’t disturb the tortoises, respect their personal space and do not get too close or touch them. Do not feed them; it is illegal and a danger to their well-being.
• Don’t allow your pets to get close to the tortoises and burrows.  
• Grow native plants in your yard.
• Support establishment of gopher tortoise preserves. Managed habitat is essential for protecting the species.