In the Know: How do gopher tortoises get from island to island?

A. "Yes, it is true that gopher tortoises can't swim," said Mike Shirley, research director for Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. He offers the following explanation.

The distribution of this species can be explained by a combination of factors. Islands might not have always been islands; the barrier island system is always changing, passes open and close. In the past, there may have been a land-connection to mainland tortoise populations allowing for migration to the islands. Storms, especially hurricanes, are known to move species around. It is possible that these events introduced tortoises to the islands.

Tortoises may have drifted on logs to an island. People may have also played a role in transporting tortoises to the island. Although some of these possibilities seem improbable, given enough time, even the improbable becomes possible. Another good example of a non-swimming land-locked tortoise population is the Galapagos tortoise. The term tortoise is usually reserved for terrestrial turtles. The gopher tortoise live in burrows. There is a concern, that well-intention visitors might relocate a gopher tortoise back into the water, thinking that's where it belongs. Shirley concluded by saying, "A gopher tortoise knows where it wants and needs to be. To place it in the water would cause its death."

Next week, nonswimming turtles will be addressed.

Q. We are from Maine and enjoy the hummingbirds there. When we come to visit Naples, we have never seen a hummingbird here. Not one in 15 years. We have a feeder, are we doing something wrong?

A. Gary Pettit, naturalist for the city of Naples, says that we only have the ruby-throated hummingbird that live in Southwest Florida year-round. Hummingbirds are very territorial; so usually if one is feeding on a particular plant or feeder, they will chase the others away. You won't see a large number of individuals at a feeding site. Because we have such a large variety of plants and trees that bloom throughout the year, the more attractants you have in your yard, the better chance you will have to see them. The ruby-throated prefer, but are not limited to, flowers that are red in color. Trees such as the powder puff or bottlebrush, as well as the firebush shrub are just some of their favorites. With such a variety, they will go to the plants first, rather than a hanging bird feeder. Pettit noted that we should expect to see more in the next few months as they migrate from the north.

Did You Know?

In 2002 there were 1,687 people in Collier County employed by companies in information industries, which includes telecommunications companies, Internet service providers, and publishing companies. The average wage of those workers was $43,131, more than 36 percent above the county average wage of $31,514.

In The Know is a weekly column compiled by Lisa Fleming. Contact her with questions at 213-6007 or at intheknow@naplesnews.com.