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Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)

Current status is Threatened. 

The FWC received a petition to re-evaluate the status of the gopher tortoise in 2002.  A biological assessment following the listing process rules was initiated.  However, a listing moratorium was initiated in 2003 and the listing process rules were changed in April 2005.  Following the new process, a biological status report was completed, reviewed by independent peer reviewers, and presented to the Commission at the June 2006 Commission meeting.  The Commission agreed that reclassification of the gopher tortoise from Species of Special Concern to Threatened is warranted; however the reclassification will not occur until a management plan for the species is approved.  Public comment was sought and incorporated on a draft and again on a revised draft management plan.  Staff from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission finalized the gopher tortoise management plan based on input received. The final plan was approved with an amendment at the September Commission meeting in St. Petersburg. 

Please view our Listing Process for more information on the listing process moratorium and changes. Below is a link to the petition received in 2002, the Biological Status Report, and the final approved management plan.

 Petition
Biological Status Report
Management Plan
Gopher Tortoise Listing FAQs
Commission Presentation