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Gopher tortoise burrows were surveyed between May and August 1987 in longleaf pine/turkey oak (Pinus palustris/Quercus laevis) sandhills in Ocala National Forest, Florida. Burrow numbers and widths were compared among 3 plots burned in July 1986 and 3 winter-burned plots. Additional surveys were conducted in 4 plots, 2 of which were scheduled for burning in summer of 1987, to obtain base-line data for subsequent comparison of burning season effects. Greater numbers (P = 0.001) of burrows were recorded on the 3 summer-burned plots than on the 3 winter-burned plots suggesting that tortoises immigrated to the summer-burned plots. Baseline data from the remaining 4 plots indicated greater numbers of burrows on the control plots than on those scheduled for summer burning. Histograms of burrow-width size classes indicated relatively few tortoises £ 20.5 cm carapace length. Modal size classes were 28-32.9 cm. These results indicate responses in gopher tortoise densities 1 and 2 years after summer burning in sandhills, changes in gopher tortoise population demographics, and vegetation changes that may contribute to gopher tortoise responses.
Cataloging Information
- fire dependent species
- fire management
- Florida
- forbs
- forest management
- gopher tortoise
- Gopherus polyphemus
- grasses
- longleaf pine
- Ocala National Forest
- Pinus palustris
- Quercus laevis
- reptiles
- season of fire
- threatened and endangered species (animals)
- turkey oak
- wildlife food habits
- wildlife habitat management
- wildlife management
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