The Gopher Tortoise Council was formed in 1978 by a group of southeastern biologists and other citizens concerned with the decline of the gopher tortoise. The goals of the Council are:

1. to offer professional advice for management, conservation, and protection of gopher tortoises;
2. to encourage the study of the life history, ecology, behavior, physiology, and management of gopher tortoises and other upland species;
3. to conduct active public information and conservation education programs;
4. to seek effective protection of the gopher tortoise and other upland species throughout the southeastern United States.