SMITH: GOPHERUSPOLYPHEMUSON THE ORDWAY PRESERVE


selection for small body size in male gopher tortoises. During breeding season,
males often travel long distances and invest considerable energy in courtship
(Douglass 1976; Landers et al. 1982). Small males could more efficiently maintain
their body temperature (Swingland 1977) during prolonged courtship events.

 Growth.- Mean annual growth increments were calculated for 21 tortoises (5
males, 14 females, and 2 subadults). There was no discernible difference in growth
between male and female tortoises. The greatest increases were observed in the
smallest individuals (Fig. 2). In southwest Georgia, growth increments were
greatest in individuals in the 100-190 mm CL size classes and growth rate declined
in large individuals (Landers et al. 1982). A similar trend is evident in growth
data collected at a central Florida location (Goin and Goff 1941). Growth rate to
sexual maturity is an important population characteristic because juveniles and
subadults are especially vulnerable to predators (Auffenberg and Iverson 1979).


0O
130


180


230


280


Initial Carapace Length (mm)


Figure 2. Mean annual growth increments for 21 gopher tortoises on the Katharine Ordway Preserve,
Putnam Co., Florida.