Tiny Tortoise May Redirect Business
The small and endangered Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher Tortoise) could lead toward Volvo picking South Carolina instead of Georgia for its new United States manufacturing plant. While the Georgia populations of the Gopher Tortoise are not yet listed on USFWS’ endangered species list, they are native inhabitants of the plot of land considered in Georgia. Not only would a relocation program be expensive and uncertain for the tiny tortoise’s survival, it could be a public relations nightmare. No endangered or threatened species are said to inhabit the South Carolina plot. So this time, I’m rooting for South Carolina over Georgia.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
New biodiversity learning center, Cleanergy Park, opens in Punta Dumalag, Philippines.
Volunteers continue their work to prevent turtle roadway mortality.
Miscellany
Flights cancelled as turtle wanders onto Orlando runway.
Did You Know…
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has an app available designed to raise awareness of the dangers facing Florida gopher tortoises. It has different sections all about the protected species, and also has the ability to take pictures and report sightings. Find it on Google Play and iTunes.
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Photo from FILE/AP.
