Various papers published in recent years highlight a very real concern for many of our wild tortoise populations. It is thought likely that populations are being wiped out to, as yet unproven viral, or perhaps "tortoise aids" type condition. One of the most severly effected populations appears to be Gopher tortoises in many of the Southern States of America. An area in Southern Florida, that I have visited many times over the years (its a huge expanse of wilderness that essentially is one of my exporter / suppliers backyard!!) has now almost become void of Gopher tortoises - the last time I visited in 2003 there was some left, but many were showing signs of the illness. Outwardly, a runny nose, lethargy and frothing at the mouth are all symptoms. My time here was spent assisting the owner of the land accumulating data that was passed onto various zoos that were participating and assisting in surveying the populations of Gopher tortoises - and also US Fish and Wildlife. Populations have diminished in various areas throughout the range they live, even in areas rural such as this. Very worrying.

A real shame, in any way, but in a purely selfish human kind of a way, I would be gutted if this was happening in my backyard. The dealer who owns the land has done everything in his power to stop the spreading of the condition and the wiping out of the population that he has personally known for many years. Many, if not all, had been logged and given names over the years - imagine how gut wrenching that would be.

Gopher tortoises are not seen in captivity very often, as within most of their range they have full protection. They are amazingly characterful tortoises that remind me of Red / Yellow foots in their inquisitive almost cheeky character.




A youngster showing no signs of the condition (2003)





A youngster showing Runny nose and lethargy - unfortunately destined to die.





An adult showing no signs of illness. (2003)

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Gosh i hope they don't die out

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they were all over the place uin ft. myers fl. shame if they go away. with all the exotic introductions down there, who knows what kind of pathogens are floating around.

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