SREL Reprint #3582

A review of gopher tortoise demography and movements in production pine forest landscapes

Rachel E. Greene1, Tracey D. Tuberville2, Michael J. Chamberlain1, Darren A. Miller3, T. Bently Wigley4,
and James A. Martin1

1Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia,
180 E Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA
2Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
3Weyerhaeuser Company, P.O. Box 2288, Columbus, MS 39704, USA
4National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc., P.O. Box 340317, Clemson, SC 29634-0317, USA

Abstract: The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus; hereafter, tortoise), an ecosystem engineer in open pine (Pinus spp.) woodlands of the southeastern United States, often inhabits production pine forests (PPFs), defined here as even-aged pine forests managed primarily for timber products, which is a common forest type in the tortoise’s range. As a result of frequent disturbance from forest management activities, PPFs are characterized by a shifting mosaic of vegetation conditions over time. However, it is unclear how tortoises respond to these shifting conditions, necessitating an understanding of how forest management activities affect tortoise population dynamics and movements in these landscapes. Therefore, we systematically reviewed literature to assess tortoise responses (e.g., survival, demography, movement) to silvicultural activities in PPF landscapes. Although tortoises are often able to persist in PPF landscapes, their burrows may be concentrated along roadsides, powerline rights-of-way, and ecotones between recently harvested and older stands. How, and whether, tortoises can effectively move around PPF landscapes to take advantage of shifting habitat conditions is not well-understood. We discuss research gaps that must be addressed to enhance conservation efforts on PPF landscapes across ownership types.

Keywords: forest management, gopher tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus, habitat management, pine, Pinus, southeastern United States, species of conservation concern

SREL Reprint #3582

Greene, R. D., T. D. Tuberville, M. J. Chamberlain, D. A. Miller, T. B. Wigley, and J. A. Martin. 2020. A review of gopher tortoise demography and movements in production pine forest landscapes. Wildlife Society Bulletin 44(1):49-56; 2020; DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1035.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).