Vehicle-caused mortality is a large contributor to gopher tortoise deaths, but the extent to which it affects populations and the species as a whole is not well documented. Increases in observed road mortality, whether episodic or consistent, may be a by-product of new construction, road expansion, or relocation (legal or illegal); however, there is no information directly linking road ...more ↓
Vehicle-caused mortality is a large contributor to gopher tortoise deaths, but the extent to which it affects populations and the species as a whole is not well documented. Increases in observed road mortality, whether episodic or consistent, may be a by-product of new construction, road expansion, or relocation (legal or illegal); however, there is no information directly linking road mortality to population declines so the magnitude of this factor is not currently known.
The purpose of this project is to collect ONLY gopher tortoise sightings on Alabama roads with hopes to gain a better understanding of the effects of road mortality to gopher tortoise populations.
Often, tortoises burrow and forage for food near roads because roadsides are open and sunny. If a tortoise (or any turtle; BUT, for this project please only report gopher tortoise sightings) is seen crossing the road you can assist by physically moving the tortoise out of harm’s way of vehicular traffic and placing it in the shoulder pointed in the direction it was traveling. Do not move the tortoise to a different location or take it home! Before you pick up a gopher tortoise in the road be aware of your surroundings!
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BE SAFE AND SMART! Do not put your life or others in jeopardy to move a tortoise off of a road!
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The gopher tortoise is a protected species in Alabama and is not a pet. Therefore, you cannot have a gopher tortoise in your possession, at any time, without a special permit.
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If the animal is injured: Sometimes it’s better to just leave a sick or injured gopher tortoise alone and let it return to its burrow to heal. Visit the http://www.outdooralabama.com/current-wildlife-rehabbers website to locate a certified wildlife rehabilitator in your area.
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.
To learn more about the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources please visit: www.outdooralabama.com or contact Ericha Nix, Alabama Gopher Tortoise Conservation Coordinator, ADCNR, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, Nongame Wildlife Program at Ericha.Shelton-Nix@dcnr.alabama.gov.
Cover Photo by Ericha Nix
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AL Gopher Tortoise Road Mortality Project
esn2016
created this project on June 21, 2017
