A man on Marco Island in Florida has acquired a vacant plot of land next to his home to ensure that the gopher tortoises living there have a lifetime of free rent in the form of a sanctuary. Doug Meester purchased the property early in 2021 to maintain its natural state and protect the 26 tortoises, along with over 300 species that use their burrows. Without his intervention, the land would likely have been developed for human housing.
Wildlife biologist Brittany Piersma of the Audubon Western Everglades was surveying the land when Meester expressed his concerns for the tortoises. Piersma described his action as one of the most generous conservation efforts, stating it gave her hope to inspire others in the area. She is now collaborating with Meester to make the land more hospitable for the tortoises. Meester emphasized that gopher tortoises are an intrinsic part of the island’s ecosystem, and everyone can contribute to their protection. In related news, 38 gopher tortoises were released in Mississippi by The Nature Conservancy, supporting population recovery efforts. A study reveals that gopher tortoises comprise five genetically diverse groups, highlighting their biological complexity. GOPHER TORTOISE INFORMATION: The gopher tortoise is a federally endangered species, listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. It is a keystone species due to its burrowing behavior, which benefits an estimated 360 other animal species. Averaging about a foot long, it inhabits coastal plains in the Southeastern United States, including South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Their diet primarily consists of wild grasses, but they can also eat beans, corn, and most fruits. The species is protected throughout its range, requiring a permit for keeping.
