The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a fascinating land-dwelling reptile and an Keystone species of the southeastern United States. It is the only tortoise species found naturally east of the Mississippi River
- The gopher tortoise is one of nature's most important keystone species. Its burrows provide vital shelter for over 350 other species, known as "commensals".
- Gopher tortoise burrows can reach up to 40 feet in length and 10 feet in depth. They dig them with their shovel-like front legs.
- Gopher tortoises belong to a group of land tortoises that originated nearly 60 million years ago.
- Gopher tortoises are incredibly long-lived, reaching 40–60 years in the wild and over 90 years in captivity.
- Most adult gopher tortoises weigh between 8 and 15 pounds.
- Tortoises will drink but they are able to obtain almost all their hydration from the moisture in the grasses, legumes, and fruits they eat.
- The sex of tortoise hatchlings is determined by the sand temperature around the nest; warmer sand (above 85°F) typically produces females.
How big can an adult gopher tortoise get?
- If 3.5 to 7 pounds then N 26° 20.134 W 081° 40.437
- If 8 to 15 pounds then N 26° 20.034 W 081° 40.437
- If 15 to 25 pounds then N 26° 20.034 W 081° 40.537