Reproduction

Mating takes place from April through to November with the nest built in early summer. When a male finds a potential mate he will head bob, nip her shell and rub pheromones from scent glands on to her legs.

Males and females will both have multiple partners during each season and some clutches include eggs fertilized by different males.

The nest in a shallow pit in to which they can deposit 2-7 eggs. These eggs are the size of ping-pong ball. They incubate for a period of 80 to 100 days with this variance attributed to the latitude at which the nest is located. Nests in the south incubate quicker.

Temperature dependent gender determination is exhibited by this species. This means only males are produced at lower temperatures while only females hatch at higher temperatures. They have a low pivotal temperature of 29 degrees.

The parents have no role in care for the young. The female will return to dig the young out of the nest and it is often close to her burrow to allow for this.

Maturity is reached between 16 and 21 years old. Males tend to mature earlier than females.

As few as 6% of hatchlings will reach maturity due to high levels of predation. Up to 87% of eggs are taken by predators before they hatch.

Behavior

During periods of extreme heat they will retreat in to a burrow. When the weather is cold they will sit at the entrance of their burrow to warm up. They then have sufficient energy to head off to find food.

When the weather is cold they will often remain in their burrow.

Males tend to be more active than females especially during the breeding season.

Predators and Threats

Few animals are able to prey on adults. Hatchlings face a range of threats from various reptiles, birds and mammals. Fire ants affect eggs.

These animals are considered to have suffered significant declines from their former population.

A major factor in their decline has been the reduction in suitable habitat. They are also common victims of vehicle strikes.

Small numbers may be taken for the pet trade and use for food.

In parts of their range they are occasionally painted and at times this has become a trend affecting large numbers of tortoises. This can affect their ability to absorb nutrients for the sun as well as causing health issues.

Florida is the last stronghold of the species and they must be relocated before development in their habitat. They are protected by law in this state.

Quick facts

The gopher tortoise is the state reptile of Georgia and the state tortoise in Florida.

These reptiles are also known as the hoover chicken.

Their scientific name polyphemus comes from a cave-dwelling giant, Polyphemus in Greek mythology, a reference to their burrowing lifestyle.

They are one of five tortoises species found in North America.

The lineage of the gopher tortoise dates back around 60 million years.