USFSM researcher, students assess tortoises’ campus habitat
The gopher tortoises that inhabit six acres at USF Sarasota-Manatee’s entrance were once a source of concern to environmentalists as construction got underway for the new campus. Now the creatures are under the watchful eye of a USFSM researcher and group of students.
Dr. Banner and her students started mapping the burrows and identifying forage plants after she received training and a state permit to enter the area late last year. Now, up to twice weekly, she and three biology students – Jaime Ruehle, Lisa Kuhn and Lauren Gadoury – examine the site to determine whether the species are thriving or how they might be helped.
Click the link to read more about what they do…
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Photo from USFSM.
