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10029609The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is an organism who lives in well-drained, sandy soils. Their habitat is the South Eastern Region of the United States. They are a keystone species, as their burrows are also habitats to species such as black pine snakes, gopher frogs, Florida mice, foxes, skunks, opossums, rabbits, quail, armadillos, burrowing owls, snakes, lizards, frogs, toads, and many invertebrates. Since they are essential to the environment their burrows are legally protected, so make sure not to destroy a gopher tortoises' burrow. They follow a type 1 growth curve and are a k-strategist. Since they are a K-Strategist they do not adapt to change, but they do have a specified niche meaning that they have minimal competition. The gopher tortoise is an endangered species, the main causes of this are due to habitat loss, and habitat fragmentation. They have this issue as they require large swaths of land to live freely. You can help by maintaining your land, and finding out if there are gopher tortoises, and their burrows on your land. If there are make sure you protect them as it is illegal to destroy them. Also, you can donate to wildlife foundations to help organisms and animals around the world. You can help organisms like the Gopher Tortoise here: https://support.worldwildlife.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=main_monthly