The Tortoise Conservancy

We Need Sponsors for Gopher Tortoises for our upcoming tortoise preserve land tracts. Find out how you can become a Tortoise Conservancy member at SaveTheTortoises.org

No telling what you might find while walking property during a gopher tortoise survey. No one was hurt in the taking of this photo (including the snake) #rattlesnake Show Your Support for Tortoises | Donate Now: bit.ly/4g2E9TG

Sometimes rescuing tortoises is a family affair. Go-For Diggers, Inc found these four and safely relocated them to Okeechobee before the builders could hurt them. #SaveTheTortoises

Someone's been busy! These guys are an incredible species. Support them if you can. #SaveTheTortoises

Fun Fact #16: Rainwater Collectors Did you know? 🐢 Gopher tortoises are excellent rainwater collectors! They dig shallow depressions in the ground to catch and drink rainwater, ensuring they stay hydrated even in dry conditions. 🌧️💧 #TortoiseTidbits #RainwaterCollectors

Looks like Jessi just saved another tortoise from harm. Thanks to all of our TTC Member Sponsors for your contributions. Together we're saving these beautiful creatures one at a time.

GoForDiggers found one that almost got missed by the initial survey. Save another one from death by developer! Support TTC if you can to save every one that we can.

Fun Fact #15: Unique Scutes Did you know? 🐢 The scutes (plates) on a gopher tortoise's shell are unique to each individual, much like human fingerprints! These scutes can tell a lot about their age and health. 🐢🔍 #SaveTheTortoises #Scutes

If you were on a nature walk, would you have spotted this rattle snake? Luckily our friends at Go-For Diggers spotted it in time and no one was hurt (including the rattler). Amazing what's lurking in places that we probably never see.

We would like to introduce one of our corporate sponsors, Healthy Body Botanicals. They agreed to DONATE 10% of all profits to The Tortoise Conservancy. Check out their website and show them some love while they show the gopher tortoises love in return. bit.ly/3STLJpI

Fun Fact #14: Gender Determination by Temperature Did you know? 🐢 The temperature of the nest determines the gender of gopher tortoise hatchlings! Warmer temperatures produce more females, while cooler temperatures result in more males. 🌡️🧬 #GopherTortoises

Jessi, Daryl and the crew saving another gopher tortoise before the developers get to work doing what they do. Whoot, whoot, whoot Jessi!!! #savethetortoises #gofordiggers

There are no depths that we won't go to save a gopher tortoise from being killed or injured by land developers. Here's one of our board members and good friends, Daryl Coggin from Go-For Diggers, Inc. saving another one!

Fun Fact #13: Underground Ecosystem Engineers Did you know? 🐢 Gopher tortoises are considered ecosystem engineers. Their burrows create microhabitats that provide protection and resources for numerous species, influencing the function of their environment. 🌍 #EcosystemEngineers

Fun Fact #13: Underground Ecosystem Engineers Did you know? 🐢 Gopher tortoises are considered ecosystem engineers. Their burrows create microhabitats that provide protection and resources for numerous species, influencing the function of their environment. 🌍 #SaveTheTortoises

Fun Fact #12: Digging Powerhouses 🐢 Gopher tortoises are powerful diggers! They use their strong, shovel-like front legs to dig through tough soil, creating their extensive burrows. Their digging ability is vital for their survival. 💪 #SaveTheTortoises #DiggingDynamos

Fun Fact #11: Unique Mating Rituals Did you know? 🐢 Gopher tortoises have unique mating rituals! Males will bob their heads, grunt, and nudge the females to attract their attention. This courtship can last for several weeks! 💕 #TortoiseTidbits #MatingRituals #SaveTheTortoises

Fun Fact #10: Slow Metabolism Did you know? 🐢 Gopher tortoises have a slow metabolism, which allows them to survive long periods without food or water. This adaptation is crucial for their survival in the wild. 🚶‍♂️🐢 #SurvivalSkills #SaveTheTortoises

Fun Fact #9: Burrow Temperature Regulation Did you know? 🐢 Gopher tortoise burrows maintain a stable temperature year-round, providing a cool refuge in the summer and a warm haven in the winter. This helps them survive extreme weather conditions. 🌡️🏞️ #ClimateControl

Fun Fact #8: Social Creatures 🐢 Gopher tortoises are quite social and often share their burrows with other tortoises. They have even been observed communicating with each other through head bobbing and other movements. 🐢❤️🐢 #TortoiseTidbits #SocialTortoises #savethetortoises

Fun Fact #7: Important Seed Dispersers 🐢 Gopher tortoises play a key role in their environment by helping with seed dispersal. As they munch on various plants, they spread seeds through their droppings, promoting plant growth and biodiversity. 🌱 #SeedSpreaders #savethetortoises