Gopher Tortoise

Gopher tortoises are known as a keystone species.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission states the gopher tortoise provides refuge for as many as 350 to 400 species. The burrows are used for feeding, resting, reproduction, and protection from temperature extremes, moisture loss, and predators. These species include gopher frogs, several species of snake, such as the eastern indigo snake , small invertebrates, and burrowing owls. Therefore, conservation efforts focused on the gopher tortoise aid these species as well. (info taken from Wikipedia)