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FWC biologist briefs commissioners on gopher tortoise biology and permitting; county clarifies homeowner responsibilities
Summary
Florida Fish and Wildlife’s Northeast-region gopher tortoise biologist explained the species' ecology and FWC’s permitting: any relocation within 25 feet of development triggers a permit; recipient-site density rules average roughly one tortoise per acre while on-site relocation can be allowed when ~700 sq ft is available.
Connor Walsh, Northeast Region gopher tortoise conservation biologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, gave an educational briefing to the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners on April 14 about gopher tortoise biology, the ecological role of burrows, and the state permitting system used when tortoises or burrows are in the footprint of development.
Walsh said gopher tortoises are land-dwelling and long-lived, often not reproducing until 9–21 years of age, and described the burrow as an important microhabitat shared by more than 350 other…
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