Cooney, Brian

The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened burrowing chelonian endemic to the Southeastern United States. Gopher tortoises are classified as a keystone species due to their construction of extensive burrows, providing shelter to approximately 362 commensal species. Haemogregarines are the most common hemoparasite species found within reptiles. The genus Hepatozoon sp. (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) has been discovered within gopher tortoises at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Jupiter, Florida). Our research focus is to conduct molecular analysis on the 18S rRNA region of Hepatozoon sp. within blood samples and to determine how this species found is related to other known Hepatozoon species. This molecular characterization study will provide us a better understanding of the existing Hepatozoon blood parasite species within gopher tortoises in South Florida.

The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species which affects the
biodiversity that shares its burrow. Habitat fragmentation has led to a decline in
populations within southeastern ranges. Haemogregarina (intracellular parasites)
have been identified in the blood of gopher tortoises, possibly due to the lack of
prescribed fires which are known to kill ticks. However, little is known about their
health significance. Two study sites, Blazing Star Preserve (BSP), and Pine Jog
Preserve (PJP), differ in their management. The goal of this study is: (1) determine,
if any, haemogregarina parasitemia levels of the gopher tortoise population in each
site and (2) detect any additional hemoparasite species. We hypothesize that
paristemia will be higher in BSP due to increased overcrowding and lack of
prescribed fires. This study will benefit current conservation and management
practices for gopher tortoises and provide a baseline study for intracellular
parasites.