Elhassani, Dana

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.

The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened keystone species of the Southeastern United States. Increasing urban encroachment and tortoise translocation increases the risk of disease transmission. Prior work at Florida Atlantic University suggested resident gopher tortoises had high tick burdens. To investigate ticks as potential disease vectors, two sites were examined. The Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP); managed by mowing and herbicides and Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP); managed by fire. We hypothesized that gopher tortoises in the FAUP will be infected by heavier hemoparasite loads, potentially causing anemia, when compared to JDSP. To detect hemoparasites, blood was collected from tortoises at FAUP and JDSP. Blood smears revealed intracellular parasites and inclusions at both sites. Packed cell volumes were done to assess whether tortoises were anemic; results found tortoises were not anemic during that sampling period. This study will provide baseline data for blood-borne infections in two south Florida gopher tortoise populations.