Gopher Tortoise
Gopherus polyphemus
A dryland tortoise of the southeastern United States, found in sandy pine forests, scrub, dunes, and open grasslands. It feeds mostly on low-growing grasses, leaves, flowers, fruits, and cactus pads, grazing slowly near the mouth of its burrow. When threatened, it relies on a sturdy domed shell and powerful forelimbs, retreating underground or sealing itself into cover. Its deep burrows can shelter hundreds of other animal species, making it an important keystone reptile.
- Type
- Burrow / Shell
- Conservation status
- CR
Growth chain
- ?
- ?
- Gopher Tortoise