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Juvenile Gopher Tortoise
Gopherus polyphemus
29.8947, -81.3145
Field Notes
Description:
Roughly around 2in long and possibly 1.5in-2in tall. Most likely a new hatchling for this year! :)
Habitat:
Peninsula surrounded by an estuary.
Notes:
The Gopher Tortoises start to nest from April to July ranging from 407 eggs. The nests are typically near the burrow and hatchlings are generally 1-2in long. I read that they grow 3/4in per year (unsure). These tortoises are one of my favorite reptiles! :) Their burrows can average around 30ft (depends on water table) and can support over 250 other species such as Gopher Frogs, quails, Burrowing Owls, snakes, and other species. Especially when there is a fire it's a great place for protection. They are a threatened species here in Florida and are mostly affected by habitat loss. Picture was taken in St. Augustine, FL.
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