The official GA reptile nearly went extinct, but now it’s thriving. Here’s how

Not so long ago, one Georgia species was in critical danger of extinction, but in 2022 for the ecosystem, The US Fish and Wildlife Service declared the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)to be no longer endangered.

The gopher tortoise, which happens to be Georgia’s official reptile, is a vital species that once teetered on the edge of extinction less than five years ago. Thanks to The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its partners it has made a remarkable comeback.

What is so special about the GA gopher tortoise?

Native to Georgia’s sandy Coastal Plain, Georgia’s own is the only land tortoise east of the Mississippi River. The Nature Conservancy calls it “a keystone species” since its burrowing behavior plays a critical role in supporting ecosystem stability, biodiversity and habitat for many species.

This species is important for many reasons:

• Shelter and habitat for over 350 other species, including several rare animals
• Protects other animals from predators, fire and extreme weather conditions
• Maintain the structure and function of the fire-adapted ecosystems
• Facilitates soil aeration and promote native vegetation growth
• Promotes native vegetation growth

Gopher tortoise characteristics

The gopher tortoise may be Georgia’s official reptile, but its habitats range from the Atlantic Coastal Plain of extreme southern South Carolina, along the Gulf of Mexico’s coastal plains to extreme eastern Louisiana and peninsular Florida.

You can spot it by its domed, brownish-gray shell, sturdy “shovel” forelimbs, and elephant-like hind legs.

• Adults range from 9 to 15 inches long 
• They can have a life span of over 60 years 
• These reptiles thrive in dry, open habitats with loose soil

Why was the gopher tortoise almost extinct?

By the late 20th century, gopher tortoise populations in Georgia had plummeted by roughly 80% and the longleaf pine ecosystem, which sustained the gopher tortoise, was cut to just 3% of its historic range.

These conditions pushed the tortoise toward extinction in Georgia:

• Loss of longleaf pine habitats to farming, urbanization, and pine plantations
• Burrows crushed by land development, roads, and equipment
• Fragmented habitats led to isolated, unsustainable populations

How did Georgia bring the gopher tortoises back?

After years of steady decline, in 2015 The Georgia Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative united nearly 30 partners and set a goal to secure at least 65 self-sustaining populations and 100,000 acres of habitat.

Through strategic land acquisition, conservation efforts, prescribed burns, and landowner partnerships, the state hit its conservation benchmark in 2025, and long term efforts continue and wildlife officials hope to keep the tortoise off the Endangered Species Act list.

What other Georgia species have been saved?

The gopher tortoise story is part of a broader recovery effort and Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan continues to work for early intervention, so more species can rebound the way the gopher tortoise has.

Other species saved from the brink:

• Bald eagle
• Loggerhead sea turtle
• Gopher frog
• Eastern indigo snake
• Flatwoods salamander
• Southern Hognose Snake
• Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

The US Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to protecting our wildlife and promises to prioritize the work to maintain Georgia’s wildlife.

Gopher Tortoise Day is April 11, so plan your celebrations early! Send me your favorite tortoise pics and stories. Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.