Gopher Tortoise

Field Survey, Removal and Relocation

Field Survey:
Essential Pre-Purchase Site Evaluation

Before buying a lot or property, call us for a Pre-Purchase Site Evaluation to check for gopher tortoises. Identifying these protected species early prevents legal issues, delays, and extra costs.

Contact Us Today

We provide thorough site evaluations to ensure compliance with state regulations and support conservation efforts. If you need professional gopher tortoise removal and relocation services, contact us. Our certified agent, trained by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), is equipped to handle all aspects of gopher tortoise management.

PROTECTED BY LAW!

It is a Violation of Florida Statute 372.0725 to intentionally take, harass, wound, or kill any species designated as endangered, threatened, or of special concern; Any person who violates this provision with regard to an endangered, threatened, or of special concern species; is Guilty of a Felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in: s.775.082, s.775.083, or s.775.084. by $10,000 fine, or both.

Gopher tortoise emerging from its nest in the sand, surrounded by grass and dirt.

Benefits of Pre-Purchase Property Checks

· Avoid Legal Issues: Identifying gopher tortoises before purchasing a property ensures you comply with state regulations, avoiding potential fines and project delays.

· Cost Savings: Early detection can save you money by integrating the necessary conservation measures into your planning process from the beginning.

· Environmental Responsibility: Conducting thorough surveys and relocations supports conservation efforts, helping to preserve the gopher tortoise population and their ecosystems.

· Informed Decisions: Knowing the presence of protected species on a property allows for better planning and decision-making, ensuring a smoother development process.

Our Services Include:

Close-up of a Gopher tortoise with a smiling expression, walking on a flat surface.

  • A pre-purchase site evaluation involves a thorough assessment of your property to identify the presence of gopher tortoises and their burrows. This service helps potential buyers understand any legal or ecological obligations before purchasing the land, ensuring compliance with conservation regulations and avoiding costly project delays.

  • Our team conducts detailed gopher tortoise surveys to locate and document the presence of tortoises on your property. These surveys are essential for creating accurate records and planning appropriate relocation strategies, ensuring that your development complies with state wildlife protection laws.

  • Population density calculations estimate the number of gopher tortoises within a specific area of your property. This information is crucial for understanding the impact of land development and for planning effective conservation measures to protect the tortoise population.

  • Determining suitable habitats involves identifying and evaluating potential relocation sites that meet the ecological needs of gopher tortoises. This ensures that relocated tortoises can thrive in their new environment, contributing to their long-term conservation.

  • GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping provides detailed visual representations of gopher tortoise locations and habitats on your property. This technology aids in precise planning and management, ensuring that all tortoise activities are accurately documented and considered in your development plans.

  • We assist with the preparation and submission of all necessary permits for gopher tortoise relocation. This service ensures that your project complies with all legal requirements, streamlining the approval process and avoiding potential legal issues.

  • Our team uses a variety of methods to safely capture gopher tortoises, including hand capture, shovels, trapping, backhoe excavation, and modified pulling rods. Each method is chosen based on the specific conditions of the site to ensure the safety and well-being of the tortoises during relocation.

  • We conduct upper respiratory tract disease testing to ensure that relocated tortoises are healthy and do not carry infectious diseases. This testing is crucial for the health of both the relocated tortoises and the existing populations at the new site.

  • We measure and record vital data about each tortoise, including size, weight, and health status. This information is used to monitor the tortoises’ well-being and to track the success of the relocation process.

  • Marking and transporting involve safely marking tortoises for identification and securely transporting them to their new habitat. This process ensures that each tortoise is accounted for and that the relocation is conducted in an organized manner.

  • Post-relocation reports and follow-up services involve monitoring the tortoises’ adjustment to their new environment and providing detailed reports on their health and adaptation. This ongoing support ensures that the relocation efforts are successful and that the tortoises thrive in their new habitat.

Why choose us?

A large gopher tortoise with a rough, rounded shell and muscular limbs resting on sandy ground amid grass and small plants.

· Expertise and Experience: With years of experience in wildlife management and land clearing, our team has the knowledge and skills to handle gopher tortoise relocation with the utmost care.

· Ethical Practices: We are committed to ethical and environmentally responsible practices, ensuring the protection of wildlife during our operations.

· Customer Satisfaction: We prioritize our customers' needs and provide personalized solutions to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

  • We are committed to providing ethical and environmentally responsible land clearing services. As part of our dedication to preserving local wildlife, we offer specialized gopher tortoise removal and relocation services. Gopher tortoises are a protected species, and their conservation is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of our environment.

  • Gopher tortoises play a vital role in their ecosystems by digging extensive burrows that provide shelter for hundreds of other species. These burrows are essential for the survival of many animals, including those that are endangered. Unfortunately, habitat destruction and land development threaten their existence. Relocating gopher tortoises to safe habitats helps ensure their survival and the health of our ecosystems.

  • Gopher tortoises are a state-protected species in Florida, which means their presence on your property can significantly impact your development plans. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) requires that these tortoises be relocated to protected areas by certified agents. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to legal consequences and delays in your project.

Our Relocation Process:

A gopher tortoise emerges from under a shrub on a dirt ground surrounded by small plants and dried leaves.

  • · Our team of experts conducts a thorough site assessment to identify gopher tortoise activity and locate their burrows.

    · We use non-invasive methods to ensure minimal disturbance to the tortoises and their habitat.

  • · We handle all necessary permits and comply with state and federal regulations to ensure the legal and ethical relocation of gopher tortoises.

    · Our process adheres to the guidelines set by wildlife protection agencies.

  • · Our trained professionals carefully and humanely remove gopher tortoises from the project site.

    · We use specialized equipment and techniques to ensure the safety and well-being of the tortoises.

  • · Gopher tortoises are relocated to pre-approved, protected habitats where they can thrive.

    · We work with conservation organizations and wildlife management areas to find the best relocation sites.

  • · We conduct follow-up visits to monitor the tortoises' adjustment to their new environment.

    · Our team ensures that the relocated tortoises are healthy and adapt well to their new habitat.