Gopher Tortoise
A land turtle that digs long burrows in the sandy soil of the southeastern United States. Its burrows become homes for hundreds of other animals.
What is it?
The Gopher Tortoise is a land turtle (not a sea turtle) that lives in the southeastern United States. It has a hard, bony shell that protects it from predators. It spends most of its time on land, digging burrows in sandy soil. Its burrows can be up to 45 feet long and 10 feet deep. These burrows keep the tortoise safe from heat, cold, and fire.
How old?
Gopher Tortoises can live for a long time — up to 60 years in the wild! They grow slowly and take many years to become adults.
What was it like?
The Gopher Tortoise is a slow-moving, gentle reptile. It eats grasses, leaves, and fruits. It is most active during the day, especially in the morning and late afternoon. In the heat of the day, it rests in its cool burrow.
Why does it matter?
The Gopher Tortoise is a keystone species. Its burrows provide shelter for over 350 other species, including snakes, frogs, rabbits, and insects. When the tortoise leaves a burrow, other animals move in. By digging burrows, the tortoise helps many creatures survive. Unfortunately, the Gopher Tortoise is threatened by habitat loss. People are building houses and roads on the sandy land where it lives. Protecting its habitat helps protect many other species too.
Connections
Next to find
- Find another animal that digs burrows. How is its burrow different?
- Look for a map of where Gopher Tortoises live. What states are they found in?
- Find out what "keystone species" means. Can you think of another example?
沙龟
一种在美国东南部沙质土壤中挖掘长洞穴的陆龟。它的洞穴成为数百种其他动物的家园。
这是什么？
沙龟是一种生活在东南部美国的陆龟（不是海龟）。它有一个坚硬的骨质壳，保护它免受捕食者的伤害。它大部分时间在陆地上，在沙质土壤中挖洞。它的洞穴可以长达45英尺，深达10英尺。这些洞穴保护沙龟免受炎热、寒冷和火灾的伤害。
多大年纪？
沙龟可以活很长时间——在野外可达60年！它们生长缓慢，需要很多年才能成年。
它是什么样的？
沙龟是一种行动缓慢、温顺的爬行动物。它吃草、叶子和水果。它在白天最活跃，尤其是在早晨和傍晚。在炎热的时候，它在凉爽的洞穴里休息。
为什么重要？
沙龟是一种关键物种。它的洞穴为超过350种其他物种提供庇护，包括蛇、青蛙、兔子和昆虫。当沙龟离开一个洞穴时，其他动物就会搬进去。通过挖洞，沙龟帮助许多生物生存。不幸的是，沙龟受到栖息地丧失的威胁。人们在它生活的沙地上建造房屋和道路。保护它的栖息地也有助于保护许多其他物种。
联系
接下来寻找
- 找另一种挖洞的动物。它的洞穴有什么不同？
- 找一张沙龟分布的地图。它们生活在哪些州？
- 了解“关键物种”是什么意思。你能想到另一个例子吗？