Gopher Tortoise Management Plan
The ultimate goal of the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan is to restore and maintain secure, viable populations of gopher tortoises throughout Florida so the species no longer warrants state listing.
The Management Plan also helps guide the actions of the FWC's Gopher Tortoise Program.
Gopher Tortoise Management PlanDraft Gopher Tortoise Management Plan Revision
FWC Staff accepted public comment on draft revisions of the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan between July 29 and August 30, 2024. FWC staff presented two webinars providing an overview of the changes on August 8 and 12, 2024. A final draft incorporating public comment will be presented to the FWC Commissioners at the December 2024 Commission Meeting.
History of the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) has been regulated in Florida since 1972 and has been fully protected since 1988. Despite the afforded protection, gopher tortoise populations throughout the state have declined. As a response to the continuing decline of the species, a new management plan was drafted and approved in September 2007 as a precursor to reclassifying the gopher tortoise from a "species of special concern" to a "State-designated Threatened" speces. The status was approved and went into effect on November 8, 2007.
Following the first 5 years of implementation, the FWC worked with stakeholders to revise and improve the original management plan. The revised plan was approved in September 2012.
Gopher Tortoise Management Plan Goal
The plan establishes the measurable overarching goal that works towards decreasing the rate of population decline of the gopher tortoise because it is necessary to immediately decrease the rate of decline so that the ultimate conservation goal can be achieved (i.e., < 30% over 3 generations to evaluate the Threatened designation and potentially delist the species if it does not meet any of the criteria for listing outlined in 68A-27 F.A.C. ).
For this 10-year plan, the overarching objective of no net loss of gopher tortoises will be accomplished by meeting all of the following objectives:
- Minimize the loss of gopher tortoises.
- Increase and improve gopher tortoise habitat.
- Enhance and restore gopher tortoise populations
- Maintain the gopher tortoise’s function as a keystone species.
To achieve these objectives, a cooperative program partnering with state, local, and private entities has been established across the state.
Original Management Plan
The original Gopher Tortoise Management Plan (2007) was approved in September 2007. It is provided here for reference purposes only.