Date of Award
2007
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Submission Date
October 2026
Abstract
The gopher tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus, is a threatened species native to the southeastern United States. The breeding season of G. polyphemus is reportedly from April to June. However, out of season hatchlings in Jupiter, Florida, suggest that in South Florida, the very southernmost part of the gopher tortoise's range, the warmer climate allows a longer period of reproduction or a year-round breeding season. My research sought to find evidence for an extended breeding season and to collect fecundity data on the South Florida tortoises by capturing female tortoises and X-raying them at different times of the year to check for the presence of eggs. Although I found no conclusive proof of an extended breeding season, I present additional circumstantial evidence for it, as well as information regarding the fecundity of tortoises in the spring.
Recommended Citation
Strattan, Melody., "Breeding season and fecundity of Gopherus polyphemus in South Florida" (2007). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2003 - 2009. 54.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_1/54
Extent
v, 28 leaves : ill.
Identifier
314395285
Comments
by Melody Strattan.