Enhanced island gopher tortoise habitat
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) recently celebrated the successful wrap-up of the first year of its Gopher Tortoise Habitat Enhancement Project.
“After a super successful fall and winter, our main gopher tortoise habitat enhancement project is looking amazing,” it reported.
For more than two decades, the SCCF has monitored gopher tortoises, which are an essential keystone species whose burrows support over 350 other species. After recent hurricanes reduced the number of monitored active burrows on Sanibel from 157 to fewer than 20, the work is more important than ever.
The SCCF reported that the project has significantly improved habitat conditions at its C.R. Johnston Preserve, creating lasting benefits for gopher tortoises and the species that rely on their burrows.
“After trimming back a lot of overgrown vegetation, our team has already seen native plants that gopher tortoises rely on, such has prickly pear cactus and gopher apples thriving,” it reported.
The SCCF outlined what was accomplished during the first year of the project:
– 15 volunteer events
– 61 volunteers participated
– 2,862 cubic feet of overgrown native vegetation removed
– 1,240 cubic feet of invasive vegetation removed
It noted that the milestone was made possible by the dedication of its volunteers and community.
“Our work continues to make sure these habitats stay ideal for our island gopher tortoises,” the SCCF reported.
LIVE BURROW CAM COMING
The SCCF will install the first-ever live camera at an active gopher tortoise burrow at the preserve thanks to the support of 100+ Women Who Care Sanibel-Captiva, which is powered by the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI).
“This 24/7 live stream will allow our community to stay connected to Sanibel’s wildlife, while also serving as a powerful tool for education and outreach,” it reported.
The group initially presented the SCCF with a check donation at its last meeting of the season on April 7. At a season-end happy hour on April 28 at Congress Jewelers on Sanibel, 100+ Women Who Care raised $22,000 to fully fund the cam project. It also voted to name the burrowing gopher tortoise Dolly.