Gopherus polyphemus
Tortoise Exhibit
Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center
Columbus, Georgia
Outside their Burrow
This species is the state reptile of Georgia
Gopher tortoises are herbivore scavengers.
Their diets contain over 300 species of plants.
The tortoise spend most of their time in long burrows,
up to 48 ft. in length and 10 feet deep.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has listed Gopher Tortoises
as "Threatened" There are a number of threats to the tortoise
including habitat loss, human use as a pet or meat, relocation
causing popolation disruption and disease.