On vacation in North Captiva Island in Florida, we got a new neighbor. Gopher Tortoises are endangered and protected there, so they can be spotted ambling about. When we first arrived, we spotted the deep hole near the house and speculated what it was and who could live there.
It turned out to be a gopher turtle! I learned that it is a keystone species with more than 360 different kinds of animals that depend on it for survival. They are endangered due to habitat loss, incompatible forest management, disease, and illegal hunting for food. To learn more, go to Defenders of Wildlife:
As adults, gopher tortoises are mostly brownish gray with a yellowish, tan underside. Gopher tortoises are so named because they dig large, deep burrows with their shovel-like front legs. These burrows provide shelter for 360 other species of wildlife, making gopher tortoises a keystone species with a pivotal role to play in their native community. Without the gopher tortoise, many of these species would not have a home or would not exist.
Come and meet my gopher tortoise neighbor:
My kids fell in love with our gopher tortoise neighbor. They brought lettuce to the burrow and watched our new friend eat. They kept track of the tortoise’s movements — it was surprisingly fast when it wanted to be — and made sure that it was safe when we drove the golf carts near the house. Learning about tortoises can turn any kid into an activist. Here’s a book list that might help!
How about you? Do you live near tortoises or turtles? Thanks for sharing!
9 Children’s Books About Tortoises to Fall In Love With
At Home with the Gopher Tortoise: The Story of a Keystone Species by Madeleine Dunphy, illustrated by Michael Rothman
The tortoise burrow near our Florida vacation house looked long and deep. We couldn’t see who was living there until the tortoise poked its head out. It watched us stealthily, but if we stayed back and made no sudden movements, the tortoise would hang out with us. It turns out that this deep and wide burrow is the reason why the Gopher Tortoise is a keystone species. More than 360 different kinds of animals depend on it, including the skunk, Florida mouse, burrowing owl (read Hoot!), gopher frog, warblers, spicers, crickets, beetles, indigo snake, bobcat, sparrow, bobwhites, lizards, rabbit, mole skink, and more! didn’t realize how neighbors are next door living with the gopher tortoise! [nonfiction picture book, ages 5 and up]
Who Wants a Tortoise? by Dave Keane, illustrated by K.G. Campbell
A tortoise might not rank as high as a puppy or a kitten as a pet but just wait and rethink it. Tortoises actually make a wonderful companion! [picture book, ages 5 and up]
What’s the Difference Between a Turtle and a Tortoise? by Trisha Speed Shaskan, illustrated by Badelin-Dacey
It’s easy to confuse a turtle with a tortoise. They look a lot alike! But they are very different and this book helps to hammer home their differences as well as their similarities.
I found an upside-down flipped Gopher Tortoise on my last trip to North Captiva Island while on a long hike with my kids. The Gopher Tortoise was helplessly waving its legs around but was stuck upside down. We quickly flipped it over and poured the last of our water on its head. It quickly walked away. We wondered how the Gopher Tortoise got into this predicament. A dog? Mean kids? This book had the answer:
Male Gopher Tortoises fight one another to win over a female. They run into each other, trying to flip over the other.
If you watch my video, it looks like my Gopher Tortoise neighbor had a tryst. My daughter captured it on her camera. I hope there are Gopher Tortoise babies in the future next door! [nonfiction picture book, ages 5 and up]
The Dirt Book: Poems About Animals that Live Beneath Our Feet by David L. Harrison, illustrated by Kate Cosgrove
This book of poetry about dirt also covers the Gopher Tortoise as a keystone species — many of the poems feature creatures that rely on the Gopher Tortoise! The poem, Gopher Tortoise: The Inn Keeper, brings this point home!
The gopher tortoise has a lot of guests.
He never knows who might show up today.
He never shows them if he thinks they’re pests.
Patiently he wants around their nests
gently moves some bunnies in his way.
He never shows them if he thinks they’re pests.
Skunks and foxes have to pass a test.
They know they must behave if they’re to stay.
The gopher tortoise has a lot of guests.
The gopher tortoise never seems distressed
when someone else moves in when he’s away.
He never shows them if he thinks they’re pests.
The gopher tortoise always does his best
to go about his business come what may.
The gopher tortoise has a lot of guests.
Perhaps the gopher tortoise thinks he’s blessed.
It could be he’s content, but who can say?
The gopher tortoise has a lot of guests.
He never shows them if he thinks they’re pests.
[poetry picture book, ages 5 and up]
Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff,
Owen is a baby hippopotamus, orphaned after the 2005 Indian Ocean tsunami who lands in a wildlife refuge along with a 140-year-old giant male tortoise. It’s a remarkable story of friendship but also of adoptive parenting as Mzee takes Owen under his wing and teaches him things his mother Hippo would have. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
The Tortoise and the Soldier: A Story of Courage and Friendship in World War I by Michael Foreman
In this true story, a tortoise doesn’t just make a fine pet but saves the life of a soldier. The soldier eventually comes home and brings the tortoise with him to England. And then, a cub reporter discovers their story and writes about it. It gets published … both as an article and as this book. [middle grade biography, ages 8 and up]
p.s. Related posts:
Osprey Migration Books for Kids
Birds of North Captiva, Florida, Saved From Extinction!
Family Reunion Vacations: North Captiva Island, Florida
Top 10: Kids Books for Florida Beach Vacation (ages 2-18)
Our Hawk Adolescents Gave Us a Goodbye Present
How to Make Family Vacations More Educational
All About Hummingbirds: A Unit for Kids
Top 10 STEM Bird Books for Bird-Watching Kids
Baltimore the Snowy Owl & Owl Books for Kids
Nature is All Around Us! Best Nonfiction Picture Books for Kids
Everyday Adventures Occur When You Slow Down!
Top 10 Best Chapter Books Set in Florida’s Past
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