Gopher Tortoise Survey Continues in Marco

A gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is named for their ability to dig deep burrows with forefeet made for digging and burrowing and elephantine-looking hind feet. According to FWC, they have been protecting gopher tortoises since 1979 as a state-designated threatened species. 

Just a brief review for those who are new to Marco Island. You can also find a lot of information about the gopher tortoises on the website of UFL.edu., and according to the website, gopher tortoises are found in all 67 counties in Florida and they also inhabit eastern Louisiana and the southern portion of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Originating 60 million years ago, the gopher tortoise is considered one of the oldest living species on the planet.

On Marco Island, there is a large population of gopher tortoises located in the Estates area on Inlet, Caxambas Drive, Watson, Ludlow, Copeland, and South Barfield. A small pocket population is also found in Sheffield, Dogwood, Key Marco, Tigertail Beach area of Spinnaker Drive, and Hideaway Beach. Gophers prefer the upland and sandy soil, digging multiple burrows and occupying vacant lots. 

On sunny days as you drive down South Barfield, you are most likely going to encounter a gopher tortoise crossing the road or grazing on the grassy city-owned swale. Roadside signs CAUTION DRIVERS to SLOW DOWN – GOPHER TORTOISE CROSSING and drivers often scan the side of the road for the presence of a gopher tortoise.

According to FWC, “If you encounter a gopher tortoise crossing a street, when it is safe for you to do so, you can help move it to the other side of the road in the direction they were headed.”

It is very tempting to put the tortoises in a canal, but gopher tortoises are terrestrial (land) reptiles, and they do not have the ability to swim for long periods of time. They are unlikely to survive in the water – they need to be on dry land.

Though not as charismatic when compared to another Marco favorite – the burrowing owl - Marco’s gophers can trace their history to pre-Calusa Indians and pioneer times, as evidenced by artifacts dug up in Marco.

In 2019, Audubon of the Western Everglades (AWE) partnered with the City of Marco Island to learn more about the gopher tortoises on the island and launched a survey program to estimate the population of the gopher tortoises by counting any burrows present. 

But the AWE Gopher Tortoise Program needed funding, and in 2019, members of the Beach and Coastal Resources Advisory Committee (BACR) voted to allocate $2,000 from their budget to initiate a field study for the gopher tortoises, and this funding was voted on yearly. This conservation partnership was similar to the Owl Watch Program with Brittany Piersma as the lead biologist. 

In the last quarter of 2019, the team surveyed 15+ gopher tortoise burrows, representing a very small sampling. With most of the burrows on vacant lots, the Gopher Tortoise survey team needed to get permission from landowners for areas they suspect have burrows. 

According to Piersma, 2023 was a deadly year for gopher tortoises, recording 32 vehicular strikes with the latest reported on 12/10/2023. Piersma added, “They plan to be finished with Marco Island surveys by the end of 2024 and the BACR funding of $2K will help finish the gopher tortoise land survey.”

To spread the word on gopher tortoise protection, Piersma added, “Education, fencing, signs, and decals did help, but car strikes continue. Our new Burrow Buddies Club at Tommie Barfield under Mrs. Parker will help make more signs.”

GOPHER TORTOISES ARE PROTECTED. It is illegal to take, harm, harass, or impact this animal, eggs, young, and/or burrow without a permit. Violation of Florida Administrative Code 68A-27 and Marco Island City Code Chapter 18, Article V may result in physical arrest, 60 days in jail, and up to $5,500 in fines. If destruction or harassment is observed, please call 239-389-5050 or 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). 

If you find an injured tortoise, call the Von Arx Wildlife Hospital at 239-262-2273.