Shell of giant land tortoise (Geochelone crassiscutata), Highlands Hammock State Park.

Florida, part 20: Tortoises and turtles

Since the giant land tortoises have been killed off by the first humans to settle Florida, there's only one tortoise species left here - the much smaller gopher tortoise.

Gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), Archbold Biological Station.

Gopher tortoise, ABS.

Gopher tortoises inhabit dry areas, particularly Florida sand scrub. Their numbers are decreasing because of habitat loss, roadkills, collecting and introduced diseases.

Gopher tortoise, Ocala National Forest.

A gopher tortoise is always a sight to behold. ABS.

Gopher tortoise digging its burrow, ABS.

Their large burrows are inhabited by numerous creatures, from mites to rodents. Some of them don't live anywhere else.

Gopher tortoise digging its burrow, ABS.

Florida snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina osceola), Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve.

Florida snapping turtle, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.

Turtles are more diverse: there's 14 species on the Peninsula. Most are rather timid, but snapping turtles are fierce predators, often killing other turtles. They can easily bite off a finger - be careful when handling them.

Florida snapping turtle, FPNWR.

Snapping turtles are usually fully aquatic, but can be seen migrating during the breeding season or in times of drought. FSSP.

Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox), FSSP.

Another common aquatic species is Florida softshell turtle. It is one of the weirdest- looking reptiles here.

Florida softshell turtle, FSSP.

Florida softshell turtle, FSSP.

Florida softshell turtle digging a nest, FSSP.

These large turtles, too, are seldom seen out of the water - only at the time of drought or when they come out to dig their nests and lay eggs in sandy banks.

Florida softshell turtle digging a nest, FSSP.

Florida softshell turtle, Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.

Florida softshell turtle, FSSP.

Baby Florida softshell turtle, Everglades National Park.

Baby softshell turtles are surprisingly bright- colored and very cute, but difficult to find.

Baby Florida softshell turtle, belly side, ENP.

Baby Florida softshell turtle, ENP.

Florida box turtle (Terrapene carolina ornata), ENP.

Box turtles are completely terrestrial. They inhabit dry forests, and look more like little tortoises.

Florida box turtle, ENP.

Florida softshell turtle, FSSP.

Part 21. Turtles (continued)

Back to Part 19