what is this?

[Sheviper1]

Rescued a baby tortoise from a preschool. A parent abandoned it there and it wasn't well cared for. Unsure of the species. Anyone want to be the expert here?

 

[dmmj]

I'm thinking greek perhaps.

 

[JoesMum]

I'm pretty sure its Testudo

Marginated, possibly. A plastron shot would help... is there any sign of spurs on the back legs?

 

[GBtortoises]

Can you post a photo of the plastron (bottom) and one of the carapace (top) from above?

 

[Baoh]

It is a Gopherus species.

 

[JoesMum]

It is a Gopherus species.

Looking at it again, I think you are correct.

 

[EricIvins]

Its some type of Gopher......The best thing for it would be getting to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator since this was more than likely picked up out of the wild.....

 

[GeoTerraTestudo]

Yeah, I also think it's one of the native Gopherus species. They tend to have fairly small scales on the front legs, and fairly broad heads. Also, when they are young, they are kind of yellowish, like this one, darkening as they get older. So, it could be a southeastern gopher tortoise (G. polyphemus), a Texas tortoise (G. berlandieri) or a western desert tortoise (G. agasizzii or G. morafkai). What part of the country are you in? I believe gopher and Texas tortoises cannot legally be kept as pets, and desert tortoises can only be kept legally by permit.

 

[Kristina]

My first impression was Desert tort or Gopherus as well. I concur with contacting a licensed rehabilitator.

 

[Sheviper1]

Carapace

 

[Sheviper1]

Plastron

 

[Sheviper1]

Frontal View

 

[Yvonne G]

Since you're in Florida, its more than likely a gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). They are protected. I don't know Florida's laws concerning the tortoise, but its probably illegal for you to have it. The club can tell you for sure.

 

[GBtortoises]

After seeing the plastron photo, yes, it is most definitely a Gopher tortoise. Gopher tortoises (and their burrows) are protected in the state of Florida. The legality of owning one is much like that of the Desert tortoise in California. The animal can only legally be kept in captivity with a proper state wildlife permit. They cannot be taken from the wild to be kept as a pet. Those that are permitted animals within the state are either rehabilited or confiscated individuals that after being exposed to captivity (bacteria, viruses, etc...) cannot be legally released back into the wild. Any Gopher tortoises brought into captivity, regardless of circumstances are supposed to be reported to Florida Fish & Wildlife.

 

[Sheviper1]

OK everyone...thank you for your expert opinions. This little gopher tortoise has been given to the proper authorities and will more than likely be relocated to an area with other gopher tortoises.

 

[l0velesly]

OK everyone...thank you for your expert opinions. This little gopher tortoise has been given to the proper authorities and will more than likely be relocated to an area with other gopher tortoises.

Good for you He has a cute face!