Gopher Tortoise Response to Site Preparation in Northern Florida

The response of gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) to chopper-type forest site preparation was investigated. Of 5 burrows presumed to have been occupied prior to treatment, 2 were reopened by tortoises following chopping, and the other 3 showed various signs of tortoise emergence. Three additional radio-instrumented tortoises emerged from their collapsed burrows during the eighth week following site preparation. Also, several hatchling tortoises apparently survived the treatment.