Sanibel recognizes annual Gopher Tortoise Day
In 2016, the Gopher Tortoise Council adopted April 10 as Gopher Tortoise Day in Florida to increase awareness and appreciation for the protected species, the city of Sanibel reported.
It is considered a keystone species — a species on which other animals within an ecosystem largely depend on — and is an important indicator of ecosystem health. Gopher tortoise burrows are home to more than 360 other species of wildlife, some of which would not exist without gopher tortoises. Unfortunately, due to obstacles such as habitat loss, disease and poaching, gopher tortoise populations have declined an estimated 60-80% percent in the last century. Because of this, the gopher tortoise is listed as threatened species and is protected by the state of Florida.
Prior to the recent severe storm events, Sanibel sustained a sizable population of gopher tortoises, which inhabited conservation lands, residential neighborhoods and commercial properties. In the wake of the storms, many of the island’s surviving tortoises have tried to establish new burrows and/or moved to more suitable habitats and may be in areas they were not previously present. Due to upland habitat requirements and potential conflicts with human development activities, gopher tortoises and their habitats have been afforded additional protections. It is important to live in harmony with gopher tortoises and enhance their habitats when available to ensure the keystone species has a future.
The city recognizes that maintaining healthy populations of gopher tortoises is essential to sustaining Sanibel’s ecology and sanctuary characteristics. On April 1, the Sanibel City Council issued a proclamation designating April 10 as Gopher Tortoise Day on the island.
The recovery of gopher tortoise populations and their habitats will require a continued commitment by citizens. To show appreciation and help ensure the long-term recovery of them, create a “tortoise friendly landscape” that includes a diversity of native grasses and wildflowers. Also, residents are encouraged to keep a watchful eye for gopher tortoises while traveling by vehicle, cycle or on foot. If you see a gopher tortoise crossing a road, pick it up and place it on the roadside in the direction it was heading, but only if it is safe for you to do so.
For more information, view the city’s gopher tortoise brochure at https://www.mysanibel.com/content/download/24984/file/Gopher%20Tortoise%20Brochure%202018.pdf or visit the city’s informational webpage on gopher tortoises at https://www.mysanibel.com/departments/natural-resources/wildlife-information/gopher-tortoises2.
For more information about gopher tortoises, including protections, development activities near them and their burrows, or permitting requirements, contact the Natural Resources Department at sandnr@mysanibel.com or 239-472-3700.