The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has determined the eastern distinct population segment (DPS) of the gopher tortoise no longer meets the criteria for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the agency is withdrawing the DPS as a candidate.
The western DPS continues to meet the definition of a threatened species. The agency determined the populations in the eastern DPS—which includes the states of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and most of Alabama—are robust. However, the populations in the western DPS—which includes western Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana—are threatened.
The Center for Biological Diversity expressed disappointment with the USFWS’ decision to deny ESA protections to the eastern DPS.
“This denial is a blow to the gopher tortoise and all the people who care deeply about this humble creature’s future, but we won’t give up,” said Elise Bennett, Florida director and an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. “We’ll review this decision closely and fight to get the tortoise the protections it needs to survive.”
