Gopherus polyphemus

The gopher tortoise is one of the most important reptiles of the southeastern United States and a keystone species found throughout Georgia’s sandy habitats.

Gopher tortoises live in dry, upland areas such as longleaf pine forests, sandhills, scrub, and coastal dunes. They dig deep burrows that can reach up to 40 feet long and 10 feet deep. These burrows provide shelter from extreme temperatures, fire, and predators - not only for the tortoise but for hundreds of other animals.

Gopher tortoises are herbivores, meaning they eat plants. Their diet includes grasses, flowers, fruits, and low-growing vegetation. 

Gopher tortoises are mostly solitary and spend much of their time near their burrows. They are active during the warmer months and bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. Females lay their eggs in sandy soil near their burrows, where the eggs incubate in the warm ground before hatching. During the winter, you may not be able to see our gopher tortoises because they're staying warm deep in their burrow!

Gopher tortoises play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. As a keystone species, their burrows provide shelter for more than 350 different species, including frogs, snakes, insects, owls, and even other reptiles. Without gopher tortoises, many of these animals would lose their homes.

Did You Know? Gopher tortoises are Georgia's state reptile and can live over 60 years! Their strong front legs are specially adapted for digging burrows. Gopher tortoises are protected by law, and it is illegal to harm them or disturb their burrows.