GC4CFBY Florida Ecosystem: Gopher Tortoises (Traditional Cache) in Florida, United States created by mintmoonpi

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BoJaB: No response from the cache owner to the previous reviewer temp disable log. I am archiving this listing.

GC4CFBY ▼

A cache by mintmoonpi Message this owner

Hidden : 5/19/2013

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

This cache was placed to celebrate the 500th anniversary of exploration & history in Florida on June 8th & 9th.

Viva Florida 500 at Paynes Prairie Preserve: Event GC48857

You are looking for a cammo pop-top container.

Gopher Tortoises

Gopher tortoises are burrowing reptiles that live primarily in dry pinelands. It is listed as a Species of Special Concern in the state of Florida and is thereby afforded significant protection. Practices such as prescribed burning have been used in parks to help in the survival of these animals. Tortoises feed mainly on grasses and herbs that need abundant sunlight to thrive. When fires do not thin out the forest, their food sources cannot survive. Gopher tortoises are an important part of fire-dependant ecosystems because they dig extensive burrows. These burrows can reach up to 40 feet in length and 10 feet deep. They serve as a shelter not only for gopher tortoises, but other animals such as opossums, rabbits, gopher frogs, burrowing owls, and snakes during periodic fires as well as in adverse weather conditions. Once they reach maturity, gopher tortoises may live up to 60 years. This reptile is very important to the ecosystem of Florida. Conservation measures to help protect these animals are critical to their survival.

Thank You to Prairie Cachers & stejenwell for hosting this event.

Special Thanks to amtg, Call me dainty, CWagoner, CYAO, doggymama, Joshtrecker81, mintmoonpi, Obilon, Tango of TCE, & wobegon crew