Wildlife and Protected Species

Gopher Tortoise Services

Relocation

According to new State of Florida regulations, only a permitted Authorized Agent can survey for and relocate gopher tortoises. Pandion is an Authorized Agent with over 15 years of experience. 

If you cannot avoid disturbing gopher tortoise burrows on your project site, Pandion can assist you with onsite or offsite relocation. Each option has different timeframes, regulatory requirements, and costs.  

Onsite Relocation

For onsite relocation, the landowner must have enough space onsite to ensure survival of relocated tortoises. Pandion can help you establish a Gopher Tortoise Conservation Area, which must remain undeveloped and be managed to maintain suitable habitat for tortoises. The Gopher Tortoise Conservation Area can also be used for passive recreation and can often increase the overall value of the development.

Offsite Relocation

For offsite relocation, a suitable recipient site must be located and secured when the permit application is submitted. Pandion is experienced in matching suitable recipient sites with relocated gopher tortoises. In addition, we have direct access to several recipient sites because we are actively helping landowners set aside, certify, and manage their lands as recipient sites or mitigation banks.

Recipient Site Certification

Landowners can earn additional income on their land by becoming certifed as a Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site for gopher tortoises that are displaced by development. 

With over 15 years of experience in gopher tortoise management, we will assess your land, guide you through the certfication process, and manage the relocations. We can also provide any habitat management services you may need. See our Gopher Tortoise Site Certification Guide >>

Authorized Agent Training

Pandion is one of only a few companies licensed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to provide this training. These two interactive, hands-on training courses provide the information and instruction you need to help you acquire an Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent permit from FWC.  See details and register online >>