Current mood:

optimistic

Biologists want to reclassify and protect gopher tortoise
TAMPA, Florida (AP)—State biologists hope to protect the gopher tortoise by reclassifying it from a species of special concern to a threatened species.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist Matt Singer says the slow-moving, land turtle don't have enough space to roam. They need up to 4.5 acres each.

In Hillsborough County, less than one percent of undeveloped land is suitable for gopher tortoises. Most of the county's tortoises were exterminated before protective rules were written. Singer says the situation is worsening in Pasco and Hernando counties, where more tortoises and more habitat face intense development pressure.

The commission is expected to vote on the change in June. A management plan is expected to be finished within a year of that vote.


Read more Gopher Tortoise posts here
Why does Florida allow Burying Gopher Tortoises Alive???
and here
Tortoises Buried Alive No More in Florida!.