This is how the gopher tortoises saves hundreds of animals from wildfires. They dig burrows used by over 300 species of animals who shelter from the fire, but also from hurricanes and all the extremes Florida's climate can throw at them [full video: buff.ly/3brx5yY]
Conversation
Replying to
Awwww poor bud must have been so scared at least he had other buds to save him/her 🥺💚🐢
1
Replying to
They depend on regular fire to maintain their habitat, which fire suppression in modern times has drastically altered their ability to strive. Long gone are the days (or at least should be) of Smokey the Bear. At least we should reevaluate the idea of one size fits all.
Replying to
A friend of mine in graduate school spent an entire summer exploring gopher tortoise holes and counting the tortoises. They are a keystone species and are listed as federally endangered.
1
