Gopher Tortoise Burrow Census and Population Estimate in the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Conservation Area
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Mentor Information
Dr. Ryan McCleary
Description
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened species in Florida, and both the tortoise and its burrow are protected in their range across the southeastern United States. The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) campus is home to a 6.6-acre conservation area that supports a population of gopher tortoises as well as other native and threatened plant and animal species. As an initial determination of population size, we mapped all current burrow locations using a Garmin GPSMAP 64st. As tortoises spend most of their time inside their burrows, estimates of population size can be difficult. However, burrow surveys are one useful method for estimating population size in such cryptic species. In the USFSM habitat, we identified 33 burrows (22 active, 14 inactive, and seven of indeterminate activity). The majority of burrows were located in the north section of the habitat with particularly high density along its northern edge. Future studies will include the use of trail cameras to confirm burrow activity status as well as visual and genetic identification of individuals. Monitoring the population status of this vulnerable species will help inform management of the conservation area.
Gopher Tortoise Burrow Census and Population Estimate in the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Conservation Area
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened species in Florida, and both the tortoise and its burrow are protected in their range across the southeastern United States. The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) campus is home to a 6.6-acre conservation area that supports a population of gopher tortoises as well as other native and threatened plant and animal species. As an initial determination of population size, we mapped all current burrow locations using a Garmin GPSMAP 64st. As tortoises spend most of their time inside their burrows, estimates of population size can be difficult. However, burrow surveys are one useful method for estimating population size in such cryptic species. In the USFSM habitat, we identified 33 burrows (22 active, 14 inactive, and seven of indeterminate activity). The majority of burrows were located in the north section of the habitat with particularly high density along its northern edge. Future studies will include the use of trail cameras to confirm burrow activity status as well as visual and genetic identification of individuals. Monitoring the population status of this vulnerable species will help inform management of the conservation area.
