As far as protection is concerned, each state has different levels of protection. In Florida, they are listed as a "Species of Special Concern" at the moment. They are working to elevate them to "Threatened," but it has not happened yet. Hopefully, this will happen sooner rather than later. Florida requires a permit to keep them. Permits are not that hard to get IF you meet their requirements. Go to www.floridaconservation.org/ for more information.



As far as diet goes, at school I feed them a variety of things including mostly collard greens, followed by turnip greens, romaine, yellow squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, blackberries, strawberries, hibiscus, and occasionally mushrooms. I maintain 1.5 at school, and the 4 sexually mature females reproduced last year.



I will post a photo of their brand new enclosure as soon as I figure out how to post photos here.



Hope this helps,



Mike
Sandalwood Gopher Tortoise Reserve

[ Hide Replies ]

• Gopher Tortoise food???????????? - MikeLosey, Wed Jul 23 17:04:37 2003
• RE: Gopher Tortoise food???????????? - SalS, Wed Jul 23 19:38:43 2003
• RE: Gopher Tortoise food???????????? - zookrewe, Sat Jul 26 12:19:32 2003
• photo of Sandalwood Gopher Tortoise Reserve - zookrewe, Sat Jul 26 12:30:00 2003
• RE: Gopher Tortoise food???????????? - zookrewe, Sat Jul 26 12:19:39 2003