gopher tortoise

American  

noun

1. any North American burrowing tortoise of the genus Gopherus, especially G. polyphemus, of the southeastern U.S.: several species are now reduced in number.

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Etymology

Origin of gopher tortoise

First recorded in 1785–95; see origin at gopher ¹

Example Sentences

An example is the gopher tortoise, which digs burrows that are used by more than 350 other species for breeding, feeding, protection from predators and avoiding extreme temperatures.

From Science Daily • Oct. 25, 2023

One example of how the partnership can succeed, Tenny said, is the gopher tortoise.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 23, 2023

Although tegus will make their own burrows, “they will also use the burrows made by other animals, including our native gopher tortoise, and they may displace gopher tortoises in doing so,” Mr. Jensen said.

From New York Times • May 16, 2020

The black and white tegus have been documented using gopher tortoise burrows and eating tortoise and alligator eggs, as well as the tortoise young.

From Washington Times • May 13, 2020

Fontenot “quickly detained” the gopher tortoise and had a “heartfelt” discussion about its slow and steady road behavior, the post said.

From Fox News • Jun. 23, 2019