Name: Gopher Tortoise Probability Index

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Description: The Gopher Tortoise Occurrence Probability Index provides an index of the likelihood of gopher tortoises being present in a given area within the state of Florida. The probability index was calculated by overlapping four separate models of gopher tortoise habitat suitability: 1) A rules-based model originally published by Endries et al. (2009) and updated by FWC in 2016 [FWC 2016]; 2) a predictive habitat model published by Crawford et al. (2020) for gopher tortoises throughout their entire range [Crawford et al. 2020]; 3) a predictive habitat model developed by FWC in 2023 for gopher tortoises [FWC 2023]; and 4) a rules-based model with relaxed assumptions developed by Wildlands Conservation in 2025 using location data from permitted relocation projects in Florida [Wildlands 2025]. The probability index indicates the level of agreement among these 4 models based on their overlap for a given area within the state. Increasing values indicate a higher probability of gopher tortoises being present, where a value of 0 indicates that none of the models identified an area as having potential to support gopher tortoises, a value of 1 indicates that an area was identified as potential habitat by only 1 of the 4 models, and a value of 4 indicates that all of the models identified an area as potential gopher tortoise habitat.These index values are meant to be used to assist with project planning purposes to determine if a formal gopher tortoise burrow survey by an FWC Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent should be conducted prior to development activities. Because of inherent inaccuracies in data input layers and imperfection in habitat suitability models, a value of 0 for a given area does not guarantee that gopher tortoises are not present. Likewise, a value of 4 does not indicate that gopher tortoises are present on a site. Only an appropriate survey conducted by a qualified Authorized Agent can be used to determine whether or not a gopher tortoise relocation permit is required for a project. Gopher tortoises and their burrows are protected by Florida state law, and a gopher tortoise relocation permit must be obtained from FWC before disturbing burrows and conducting development activities. For more information on gopher tortoise relocation permits, refer to the FWC Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines website (https://myfwc.com/license/wildlife/gopher-tortoise-permits/permitting-guidelines/).

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