A Review of Gopher Tortoise Demography and Movements in Production Pine Forest Landscapes

Abstract

The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus; hereafter, tortoise), an ecosystem engineer in open pine (Pinus spp.) woodlands of the southeastern United States, often inhabits production pine forests (PPFs), defined here as even‐aged pine forests managed primarily for timber products, which is a common forest type in the tortoise's range. As a result of frequent disturbance from forest management activities, PPFs are characterized by a shifting mosaic of vegetation conditions over time. However, it is unclear how tortoises respond to these shifting conditions, necessitating an understanding of how forest management activities affect tortoise population dynamics and movements in these landscapes. Therefore, we systematically reviewed literature to assess tortoise responses (e.g., survival, demography, movement) to silvicultural activities in PPF landscapes. Although tortoises are often able to persist in PPF landscapes, their burrows may be concentrated along roadsides, powerline rights‐of‐way, and ecotones between recently harvested and older stands. How, and whether, tortoises can effectively move around PPF landscapes to take advantage of shifting habitat conditions is not well‐understood. We discuss research gaps that must be addressed to enhance conservation efforts on PPF landscapes across ownership types. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.