Gopher Tortoise - Gopherus polyphemus
Habitat	The tortoise is strictly a land dweller, preferring sandy soils. It is an accomplished burrower, digging holes up to 35 feet in length. The tortoise shares its home with other reptiles and animals including the eastern diamondback, indigo snake, and burrowing owls.
Ecological Niche	The gopher tortoise eats leafy vegetables, fruits, and sometimes meat. The hard shell and heavily scaled forelimbs protect this reptile from predators.
Life Cycle	They may live in excess of 50 years and can get up to 15 inches in length. Hatchlings are 1 to 2 inches in length.
Behavior and physical adaptations	The gopher tortoise is the only tortoise native to the United States. These reptiles have stumpy, elephant-like feet. This species is considered threatened in Georgia due to habitat destruction.