Gopher Tortoise

Scientific Name: Gopherus polyphemus

Order: Testudines

Family: Testudinidae

Conservation Status

About

Gopher tortoises are named after their ability to dig large and deep burrows. This shelter provides year-round protection from extreme heat to frigid temperatures. Using its strong front legs, the tortoise can dig a burrow that is 10 feet deep and 40 feet wide. Many other species depend on the burrows dug by gopher tortoises for survival. As an herbivore, the gopher tortoise will forage for grasses and leaves. Populations of gopher tortoises are rapidly declining due to habitat loss.

Find me at EPZ

Location: This animal is not on exhibit. It is part of our educational collection and may only be seen in programs inside or outside of the zoo.

Arrived at EPZ: Sandy - 12/04/2015

Habitat & Range
Gopher tortoises live around the sandy coastal dunes of the southern United States.
Identification
A gopher tortoise’s stumpy shell is generally tan, brown, or gray in coloration. Their head is large and its hind back feet are larger than its front feet. They average about 9 to 11 inches in length and typically weigh 8 to 15 pounds.
Diet
They eat grasses, the flowers, fruits and leaves of certain plants and shrubs.
Reproduction & Lifespan
The gopher tortoise starts breeding in the spring. A female will build a nest and a borrow. Her eggs will hatch 3 months later. At 6 to 7 years of age the turtle’s shell will harden. Normally gopher tortoises live 40 to 60 years in the wild, but records show they can live up to 100 years.
Fantastic Fact
The gopher tortoise originated 60 million years ago, making it one of the oldest species alive.

Gopher Tortoise

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact