Creature of the day: The Gopher Tortoise 🐢🐢 The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae. The species is native to the southeastern United States. The gopher tortoise is seen as a keystone species because it digs burrows that provide shelter for at least 360 other animal species. G. polyphemus is threatened by predation and habitat destruction. Gopher tortoises are herbivore scavengers and opportunistic grazers. Thus, their diets contains over 3

Happy Gopher Tortoise Day! Let’s get to know our Gopher Tortoise, Digger! Gopher tortoises have flattened feet and powerful claws to dig deep burrows that provide safety from predators and harsh weather. Many animals seek out safety, nesting, or shelter in burrows created by gopher tortoises; over 350 species have been documented to do so. Digger came to the River Museum after he was previously a pet for 35 years. Gopher tortoises have been known to live to 60 years of age in the wild, though ma

Gopher tortoises are ecosystem engineers whose burrows support a beautiful web of life. This is just another example of how much we need biodiversity. To learn more about biodiversity and what you can do to help, click here: �� Video Credits: Odyssey Earth, Brento Lapento, Lorenzo Phrazaphath, James Sullivan, Nathan Yoder, Mississippi Army National Guard, 102d Public Affairs Detachment, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission | The Nature Conservancy