Re: Gopher Tortoises - PROTECTED SPECIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Posted by EJ on March 30, 2001 at 12:21:13:

In Reply to: Gopher Tortoises - PROTECTED SPECIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! posted by Marissa on March 30, 2001 at 11:39:41:

nothing like taking a neutral stance in the name of creating an environment that will reduce the fear of posting and actually encourage the exchange of information.
Ed

: Hi Brandan,

: Gopher Tortoises are a highly protected species in their natural range. It is not legal for you to be keeping this tortoise without a permit, nor rehabbing it and not recommended (especially if you are not an experienced rehabber). In addition, you are endangering this tortoise's chances of helping it's species to propogate and add numbers to their dwindling population.
:
: Introducing box turtles into this tortoise's enclosure is a BAD idea. In fact, it's not recommended to mix species anyway, in light of the various parasites and harmful organisms that can be tranferred.

: In addition, you may harm the box turtles with anything the Gopher tortoise may be carrying.

: My advice is to let me know (private email is fine) where you are located in Florida and I will arrange for a licensed and permitted rehabber to take this tortoise and properly examine it and rehabb it (if nec) and help it make it's way into a protected area with other wild populations.

: I know you probably haven't had it to the vet, as most Florida vets would have confiscated the tortoise from you.

: Hopefully someone more "up" on the laws in Fl will write as well, and give you more insight into the issue.

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: nothing like taking a neutral stance in the name of creating an environment that will reduce the fear of posting and actually encourage the exchange of information. : Ed : : : Hi Brandan, : : Gopher Tortoises are a highly protected species in their natural range. It is not legal for you to be keeping this tortoise without a permit, nor rehabbing it and not recommended (especially if you are not an experienced rehabber). In addition, you are endangering this tortoise's chances of helping it's species to propogate and add numbers to their dwindling population. : : : : Introducing box turtles into this tortoise's enclosure is a BAD idea. In fact, it's not recommended to mix species anyway, in light of the various parasites and harmful organisms that can be tranferred. : : In addition, you may harm the box turtles with anything the Gopher tortoise may be carrying. : : My advice is to let me know (private email is fine) where you are located in Florida and I will arrange for a licensed and permitted rehabber to take this tortoise and properly examine it and rehabb it (if nec) and help it make it's way into a protected area with other wild populations. : : I know you probably haven't had it to the vet, as most Florida vets would have confiscated the tortoise from you. : : Hopefully someone more "up" on the laws in Fl will write as well, and give you more insight into the issue.

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