Alabama Power is celebrating National Gopher Tortoise Day on April 10 by highlighting its efforts to protect the gopher tortoise and its habitat in Alabama. The gopher tortoise, Alabama’s only native tortoise species, is a keystone species that plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. The company abides by the Endangered Species Act to protect the tortoise in federally protected lands west of the Mobile River, and also works with conservation partners to manage and protect the species in other areas.
The gopher tortoise prefers open, sandy habitats, where it creates complex social structures in its burrows. Alabama Power actively manages the landscape to prevent disruptions to the tortoise, especially in longleaf pine forests where the species thrives. The company’s conservation efforts also support the Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund, benefiting not only the gopher tortoise but also other species in the ecosystem.
Over 350 species have been found living in gopher tortoise burrows, highlighting the importance of protecting this species and its habitat. By taking proactive measures to preserve the gopher tortoise and its environment, Alabama Power is contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem and supporting biodiversity in the region.
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