Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Doan, Tiffany

Area of Concentration

Natural Sciences

Abstract

Gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) play a crucial role in the habitats they live in. As a keystone species, the burrows they dig provide shelter for over 300 other species. Through habitat loss, fragmentation, and exploitation, gopher tortoise populations have been declining. To study how certain conservation strategies affect smaller populations in fragmented areas, this study observed the changes to the gopher tortoise population at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) Campus, referencing a former New College thesis from 2004. The thesis also mentioned a co-occurring, currently endangered plant species, Tillandsia utriculata, so this was also included in this study. Two surveys were conducted on the USFSM campus between November and December 2018. Gopher Tortoise burrows were measured, and their locations were mapped. The population dynamics have remained stable in the past 15 years, and the population has increased slightly. I concluded that for these small habitats,providing ample supply of food combined with frequent monitoring is the best conservation practice to then formulate site-specific plans that do not conflict with other conservation goals. More amendments (invasive removal, expansion) to the land and further study are needed to continue to sustain the population.

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