Date of Award
Spring 4-24-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
May 2026
Department
Environmental Sciences
College Granting Degree
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Department Granting Degree
Environmental Sciences Program
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Jon A. Moore
Abstract
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) breeding season occurs throughout spring and early summer across its distributional range, but recent research shows that in southeastern Florida, mating also occurs in the fall and winter months. This project evaluates the gopher tortoise’s extended reproductive season in southeastern Florida and female fecundity. The study, conducted at two locations in South Florida: Jupiter, FL and Boca Raton, FL, used field ultrasound equipment and radiographs to identify gravid females and determine clutch size. The data suggest a much earlier start to egg development and nesting, and the possibility of an extended egg development period than previously reported. These data provide evidence of an extended reproductive season in G. polyphemus populations in southeastern Florida as a potential survival strategy in the warmer climate.
Recommended Citation
Waters, Riley, "REPRODUCTIVE SEASON AND FECUNDITY REASSESSMENT OF GOPHER TORTOISES (GOPHERUS POLYPHEMUS) IN SOUTHEASTERN FLORIDA" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 348.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/348