Gallery Spotlight
GOPHER TORTOISE IN PALMETTOS
By Kim B. Parrish
© 2020 – 36 x 24” Oil on Canvas
GOPHER TORTOISE
Gopherus polyphemus
State-designated Threatened, Keystone Species
Living up to 60 years in the wild, the Florida gopher tortoise is an expert digger. Males use multiple burrows, which can be 30 feet long and 6 feet deep. These impressive tunnels provide protection for over 300 invertebrates plus 60 vertebrates; and this is why biologists call the Florida gopher tortoise a “keystone species.” Once slaughtered for food, gopher tortoises are now protected by law. If you happen to see one of these gems in the wild, bear in mind—it may very well be older than you!
Today, gopher tortoises face danger from habitat destruction and Upper Respiratory Tract Disease (URTD) which is highly contagious. According to FWC the best way to reduce the spread of URTD into other wild populations is to leave tortoises where they are. The FWC says if you help a tortoise that is crossing a road, move it in the direction it is heading, then leave it there (do not transport the animal to another area).
My original gopher tortoise art, “Gopher Tortoise in Palmettos” is 36 x 24″ on canvas, and depicts a Florida gopher tortoise searching for saw palmetto berries. Thanks for your interest in my work, and I hope you enjoy the beauty of Florida wildlife.