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Homing Behavior And Orientation In The Gopher Tortoise, Gopherus Polyphemus, Kevin Michael Connor

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Gopher tortoises are found in xeric habitats in the southeastern United States. In these xeric habitats, gopher tortoises excavate and reside in burrows which provide shelter and protection. Gopher tortoises are active throughout the year, often making several journeys a day away from their burrows. Although they may move substantial distances, they return to their burrows, suggesting that they posses a well-developed orientation and homing ability. This study investigated the ability of gopher tortoises to home from short distance (40 meters, just outside of or on the perimeter of their home ranges) and intermediate distances (200 meters, approximately 2 home …