In the sandy uplands around Tallahassee and Leon County, the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) digs its distinctive burrows, shaping the landscape for countless other native animals. This sturdy, long-lived reptile—Florida’s only native tortoise—prefers open, sunny habitats with well-drained soils, such as longleaf pine sandhills, where it forages on low-growing plants like grasses and legumes. While most burrows average about 15 feet long and 6.5 feet deep, the longest recorded Florida gopher tortoise burrow exceeds 67 feet.
In Florida the gopher tortoise is listed as Threatened by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; both the animal and its burrow are protected by state law. Globally, the International Union for Conservation of Nature recently assessed it as Critically Endangered because of steep population declines driven largely by habitat loss and fragmentation.
What makes the gopher tortoise especially important is its role as a keystone species. Its impressive burrows maintain stable temperature and humidity and offer refuge from fire, predators, and extreme weather. More than 350 other species use these shelters, including the gopher frog, Florida mouse, eastern indigo snake, Florida pine snake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, and hundreds of invertebrates such as specialized beetles and crickets.
Protecting gopher tortoises and their habitat around Tallahassee helps safeguard an entire community of native wildlife. Leaving burrows undisturbed and supporting local conservation efforts are simple ways residents can help this essential neighbor thrive. 
Alan Lashbrook
