The Gopher Tortoise is an excellent representation of all the upland wildlife in the Southeast United States. As humans encroach on their habitat, gopher tortoises find themselves in a desperate struggle for territory and food, indeed for the very survival of their species.

And survive they must. The survival of so many other species depends on them. The burrow of a gopher tortoise provides shelter (and sometimes food) to about 400 other species. Within these dark tunnels made and maintained by the gopher tortoise, species have been found that live nowhere else on earth. And it’s not an overstatement to say that the human species depends on the health of the gopher tortoise and its entire natural community.

This book will appeal to all ages, from 10 up. The hundreds of color photos and easy text will appeal to children and to students seeking details not readily available elsewhere. Adults too will find this book provides a detailed and first-rate explanation of the critical role this fascinating tortoise plays in shaping the upland environs of Florida and the Southeast. Individuals and families who enjoy outdoors activities will find this book a virtual guide to many of the plants and animals they see in these areas.