An unstudied population of Gopher tortoises, a Threatened species, exists on Cumberland Island, Georgia USA. In the summer of 2016, I conducted a pilot survey on one large population on the Island. In 2017, the goal is to survey the remaining Island to determine the total population size & characteristics. Information on this keystone species must be known in order to effectively manage conservation areas vs. human use areas on the Island.
Gopher tortoises are considered a keystone species in their native pine savannah habitat because the burrows they dig provide shelter for over 300 other species in that habitat as well. Due to habitat loss, urban sprawl, and over exploitation, the land dwelling Gopher tortoise is now listed as a threatened species in much of the southeastern United States. Therefore, any information regarding the current status, distribution, density, and human impacts that may affect this species is critically important to the long term viability and management of this species, especially isolated remnant populations like the one on Cumberland island.
Prior to my pilot study, no research or data on the Gopher tortoises of Cumberland Island exists, with only anecdotal references to this population found in history books written about the Island. Much data is needed in terms of how many, what ages, where are they concentrated? This research is also time sensitive as there is a current proposal going through the approval process by one of the private land owners to build up to 10 additional houses on the Island. Knowing the exact areas that these tortoises are found and prefer on Cumberland together with the migration movement data that will be obtained from this study will help assure that these little guys are taken into account in planning any type of human impact activities.
The main goal of my study is to determine the population size, age classes present (juveniles, sub adults, adults), and gender ratios of the tortoises on the Island. All burrow locations will also be mapped using GIS with notes on whether they are occupied and active burrows or inactive ones. Using the purchased radio transmitter and motion camera equipment, I will track their daily activity and migration patterns. This information is vital in terms of recommending protected areas along with other management decisions. Finally, temperature monitoring discs will be used to determine preferred temperatures in case relocation becomes necessary.