AL Gopher Tortoise Conservation Project

Alabama outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists needed for Alabama Gopher Tortoise Conservation Project!

Gopher tortoise populations have had a similar fate as has the species habitat. The extent of the longleaf pine ecosystem in the southeastern United States has been reduced to less than three million acres, a small fraction of its former range. The rolling savannah like world of the southeastern coastal plain is, for the most part, gone, and gopher tortoise populations are estimated to have declined by at least 80% in the last hundred years.

The purpose of this project is to collect location information on the gopher tortoise to help supplement current surveying efforts and enhance our understanding of the distribution of gopher tortoises in Alabama.

Each observation should be documented using iNaturalist with a “research” grade observation (i.e. property identified, photo or audio vouchered). To increase the value of your observations, please indicate the spatial accuracy and include additional comments. Ideally we would like data on how many individuals were observed, evidence of reproduction, condition and extent of habitat, and any potential threats in the area.

In Alabama, the gopher tortoise is federally listed as Threatened in Mobile, Washington, and Choctaw counties. The eastern populations (east of the Tombigbee and Mobile rivers) are currently being considered for federal listing and state protected. The gopher tortoise is a species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) in Alabama and is fully protected by law.

Observations will be added to the Alabama Natural Heritage Databases; which are maintained by both the Alabama State Lands Division and Auburn University Museum of Natural History. To learn more about the Alabama Gopher Tortoise Conservation Program or the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources please visit: www.outdooralabama.com or contact Ericha Nix, Alabama Gopher Tortoise Conservation Coordinator, AL DCNR, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, Nongame Wildlife Program (ericha.shelton-nix@dcnr.alabama.gov).

HELP THE FUTURE OF THE GOPHER TORTOISE IN ALABAMA

Become gopher tortoise-wise: Learn about gopher tortoises and their habitat needs online at http://www.outdooralabama.com/gopher-tortoise-program and share the information with family, friends and neighbors. less ↑