gopher tortoises

"There's an implication that the Fish Wildlife Service removed protections for gopher tortoises. They did not. If we wanted to think of the immediate protection level changes for the species, this finding document found no change," said Jeffrey Goessling of Eckerd College.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says increased protections are not warranted for gopher tortoises in Florida and other states, despite issues such as development moving into the animals’ habitats.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking public comment on draft revisions to protections for the gopher tortoise.

While every dog has it's day, so it seems, does the slow-moving, Florida-native tortoise.

The groups say the rule is aimed at preventing isolated populations of the tortoises.

Veterinary researchers at the University of Florida say they have discovered a new pathogen that is fatal for gopher tortoises.