Gopher Tortoise

Gopherus Polyphemus
This species has a brown or tan domed shell and averages between 7-12 inches.
They are native to the southeastern United States where they inhabit sandy ridges and dunes as well as pine forests.
Adults do not mature until they reach 16-20 years of ages, living to 40 years or more.
They feed mainly on grasses and low shrubs with occasional fruits and berries.
The gopher tortoise is known as a keystone species because many other animals depend on their burrows such as diamondback rattlesnakes, indigo snakes, and burrowing owls.
It is protected under the US Endangered Species Act as a threatened species.

Location at Palm Beach Zoo

  • Great Horned Owl Exhibit on west side of the Zoo

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