FOR CAMERA CRITTERS and SIGNS SIGNS Taken near Koreshan State Park, Estero Florida (before we left on our summer road trip).
Gopher tortoises are on Florida's threatened species list because of loss of habitat. So far at least. Because unfortunately, at this time this State has a governor and legislative majority who are not at all environmentally friendly and quite a few species have recently been removed from the list. (This would make it easier for builders to get construction permits on land that is now set aside for habitat.)
Here is one link to more information about the tortoises.
what an adorable shot!!
happy sunday!
betty
visiting via camera critters.
Posted by: betty manousos | June 12, 2011 at 05:58 AM
Too bad about them; we support the endangered species!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Posted by: Boom & Gary | June 11, 2011 at 01:22 PM
I think there is enough development myself---I'd much rather see tortoise than CONDOS..grrr
Posted by: Sondra | June 09, 2011 at 03:57 PM
How can politicians not be environamental friendly these days?! Ok, I know the answer of course... Sad news for the poor tortoises, they are such cute animals.
Posted by: JM | June 09, 2011 at 02:27 PM
So sad and maddening about Florida's lawmakers. I guess they'll only be happy when the state is covered in concrete. This post reminds me of a time a couple of years ago when we were traveling in Arkansas and southern Missouri. We saw lots of armadillos on the side of the road. It was strange because prior to this we only saw them in Texas and Oklahoma. People said it was a sign that global warming had allowed the armadillos' habitat to move further north. I don't know if that's true but it was interesting.
Posted by: Margot | June 09, 2011 at 02:18 PM
That's one rugged looking tortoise, Sallie, and don't get me started on politicians... :-D ...but it's the sign that gets my attention! Some years ago I thought of starting a website where people could submit these yellow warning signs... I've seen some unique ones! And this one would fit right in... (The road to hell... hahaha...)
Posted by: Francisca | June 09, 2011 at 01:14 PM
I like tortoises ! We have tortoises in France, but smaller ones. They live in south and it is forbidden to take or buy them.
In Alasace, where I live for one week yet, they are little tunnel under some roads to let the toads and frogs go from one side of the road to the other, during Spring. Sometimes, when there is no tunnel, people gathered, put the animals in a bucket and carry them. They NEVER eat them !
Posted by: Annie | June 09, 2011 at 08:34 AM
Love this sign. This little guy have the right to live too they have purpose in this life ^_^
Signs
Posted by: Kim,USA | June 09, 2011 at 07:44 AM
Cute photos, but so sorry to hear about their plight.
Posted by: Lady Fi | June 09, 2011 at 05:15 AM
that's a great sign. i hope drivers would be patient to wait for the turtles to cross the street.:p
Posted by: Luna Miranda | June 08, 2011 at 10:10 PM
cute turtles :-) MY SIGN,SIGN HERE hope you can visit
Posted by: Gagiers | June 08, 2011 at 06:20 PM
I hope drivers are careful when they see that sign.
Posted by: postcardy | June 08, 2011 at 06:17 PM
What a great sign. Have never seen one. I agree with Ewok...I would love to see gophers and tortoises crossing the road. I would certainly STOP!
Posted by: Genie Robinson | June 08, 2011 at 06:13 PM
I have never heard of these tortoises! Such cute little characters!
Posted by: Gemma @ Greyscale | June 08, 2011 at 05:22 PM
OH! Too bad about your governor! I'm sure there are many places in Florida that need to be protected!
Posted by: EG Wow | June 08, 2011 at 05:13 PM
I would love to see gophers and tortoise xing :)
Posted by: Ewok | June 08, 2011 at 04:53 PM
And I guess it isn't helped that these guys take 15 years to mature before mating! I had never heard of them before.
Posted by: Lesley | June 08, 2011 at 04:31 PM