tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125980129734673094.post6270883052947459559..comments2023-10-16T03:10:11.271-04:00Comments on Through The Eyes of a Park Ranger: Mopey MondayRanger Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047250015710505222noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125980129734673094.post-35587624777571058632009-07-30T19:49:56.108-04:002009-07-30T19:49:56.108-04:00***New Information*** I was mistaken when I said t...***New Information*** I was mistaken when I said that the Gopher Tortoise is a a species of special concern. Its status has been changed to Threatened. That means that their numbers have declined even more and they are at more risk. They will however, have stronger protection by law. Here is the breakdown:<br />Rule 68A-27.004: The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is hereby declared to be threatened, and shall be afforded the protective provisions specified in this paragraph. No person shall take, attempt to take, pursue, hunt, harass, capture, possess, sell or transport any gopher tortoise or parts thereof or their eggs, or molest, damage, or destroy gopher tortoise burrows, except as authorized by Commission permit or when complying with Commission approved guidelines for specific actions which may impact gopher tortoises and their burrows. A gopher tortoise burrow is a tunnel with a cross-section that closely approximates the shape of a gopher tortoise. Permits will be issued based upon whether issuance would further management plan goals and objectives.Ranger Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00047250015710505222noreply@blogger.com