GT Minimum Viable Population Working Group

In 2011, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a 12-month finding which made the gopher tortoise a Candidate species for possible listing as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This stimulated range-wide analyses and conservation planning for the species, including a Species Status Assessment. In its subsequent 2022 Finding, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service retained federal protection for the western distinct population segment (DPS) but deemed the eastern DPS did not meet the criteria for listing under the ESA and withdrew candidate status. All state-level protections remain in place.

In support of these assessments, the Gopher Tortoise Council led workshops in 2013 and 2014 aimed at defining minimum viable population size, the number of viable populations needed, and the ideal geographic distribution of these populations.

The scientific literature provides mixed guidance about what constitutes a minimum viable gopher tortoise population. Results from existing population viability models vary from 25 to 250 individuals under ideal habitat conditions. In addition, there is no consistency in the scientific literature regarding how large a parcel of habitat must be to support a viable population. Therefore, there was a clear need to convene experts in gopher tortoise biology, ecology, management, and demographic modeling to reach consensus regarding the following objectives:

  • Define a minimum viable gopher tortoise population size based on the best scientific information available.
  • Identify the minimum reserve size needed to support a viable gopher tortoise population.
  • Identify the number and distribution of viable gopher tortoise populations necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the species.

Workshops/Reports

The first workshop was held on 13-14 March 2013, to define the minimum viable population (MVP) and minimum reserve size for the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) using the best available scientific information. In this case, the purpose of establishing MVP parameters is to provide acceptable benchmarks for conservation and recovery efforts and is not to determine absolute minimum thresholds that if not met will result in certain population demise. Gopher Tortoise Minimum Viable Population and Minimum Reserve Size Working Group Report 1

The second workshop was held 4-5 March 2014 at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center in Andalusia, Alabama. The objectives for the second workshop were to: 1) Establish consensus on the number and distribution of viable gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the species; 2) Discuss desired population structure based on existing data from long-term monitoring, tortoise surveys, and translocation events, and; 3) Address stakeholder concerns regarding the role of small gopher tortoise populations (those fewer than 250 adults) and small tracts of intact habitat. Gopher Tortoise Minimum Viable Population and Minimum Reserve Size Working Group Report 2

Recommended Management Guidelines

Recommended Habitat Management Guidelines for the Gopher Tortoise in Longleaf Pine Habitat

Gopher Tortoise Trapping and Translocation Guidelines
Disclaimer: This document outlines general recommendations for proper and effective trapping and translocation of gopher tortoises, but does not take the place of existing regulations established by the appropriate regulatory agency (e.g., Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s “Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines”). Guidelines and procedures from the proper permitting authority must be followed, and for more information please contact the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service or your state wildlife agency.