Gopher tortoise
A species of Gopher tortoises, Also known as Florida gopher tortoise Scientific name : Gopherus polyphemus Genus : Gopher tortoises
Gopher tortoise, A species of Gopher tortoises
Also known as:
Florida gopher tortoise
Scientific name: Gopherus polyphemus
Genus: Gopher tortoises
Content
Description General Info
Photo By jenniferf4 , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a species of the Gopherus genus 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. They are threatened by predation and habitat destruction.
General Info
Lifespan
40-60 years
Diet
Gopher tortoise is primarily a herbivore, with a strong preference for broad-leaved grass, succulent plants, and fruits. This species is also known to consume carrion opportunistically despite its predominantly plant-based diet.
Appearance
Gopher tortoise is a large, terrestrial tortoise, characterized by its stumpy legs and a domed shell covered with a growth of thick, leathery skin. Predominantly brown, the tortoise's coloring can range from grey to black. Gopher tortoise lacks noticeable differences between genders and age classes, aside from size, with mature individuals reaching up to 15 inches in shell length.
Behavior
Gopher tortoise is a diurnal, mainly solitary species known for its extensive burrowing behavior, constructing tunnels up to 10 meters long for shelter, nesting, and thermoregulation. Leaf and grass browsing constitutes its primary foraging behavior. Remarkably, this delineated home ranges and aggressive displays characterize its territoriality, significant for survival in their sandy, scrubland habitat.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Tortoises Genus
Gopher tortoises Species
Gopher tortoise 
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