Gopher tortoises are ecosystem engineers whose burrows support a beautiful web of life. This is just another example of how much we need biodiversity. To learn more about biodiversity and what you can do to help, click here: �� Video Credits: Odyssey Earth, Brento Lapento, Lorenzo Phrazaphath, James Sullivan, Nathan Yoder, Mississippi Army National Guard, 102d Public Affairs Detachment, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission | The Nature Conservancy

Creature of the day: The Gopher Tortoise 🐢🐢 The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae. The species is native to the southeastern United States. The gopher tortoise is seen as a keystone species because it digs burrows that provide shelter for at least 360 other animal species. G. polyphemus is threatened by predation and habitat destruction. Gopher tortoises are herbivore scavengers and opportunistic grazers. Thus, their diets contains over 3

Running into the week like… On July 1, this Gopher Tortoise (23-2571) was admitted from Fort Myers after it was attacked by a dog. Upon initial exam, staff noted the tortoise had puncture wounds in its shell and was missing a piece of its carapace (upper shell). Staff flushed the Gopher Tortoise’s wounds, applied bandages, and offered supportive care including antibiotics and pain medication. The tortoise continues to recover, receiving bandage changes while staff continue to monitor its healing