Even this projection fails to account for the full effect of habitat destruction on this highly vulnerable species. “Our organization has been committed to saving the gopher tortoise for over 20 years ...

Their numbers have dwindled—and are now between 700,000 and 800,000, per the Florida Wildlife Federation—as humans develop ...

“It ignores devastating urban sprawl that’s decimated the tortoise’s habitat and will continue to drive the species ever closer to extinction.” The Service reached its decision despite projecting ...