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Characterizing The Health Status Of The Louisiana Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus Polyphemus), Orlando Diaz-Figueroa
Characterizing The Health Status Of The Louisiana Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus Polyphemus), Orlando Diaz-Figueroa
LSU Master's Theses
Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations have experienced precipitous declines from habitat loss, and human and disease related mortality. The goal of this study was to characterize the health status of free-ranging Louisiana gopher tortoises. Gopher tortoises were collected during two distinct trapping seasons: fall (August-October 2002) and spring (April-June 2003). Captured tortoises were given a physical exam and the carapace and plastron length and width, weight, and body temperature were recorded. Blood was collected from the subcarapacial vein and submitted for the following testing procedures: complete blood count, plasma chemistry, infectious disease serology (Mycoplasma), and toxicologic screen (copper, mercury, zinc, …