Which management action would be least beneficial for gopher tortoise habitats?

Timber over-harvesting is considered least beneficial for gopher tortoise habitats because it can lead to significant degradation of the essential elements that support the tortoise population. Gopher tortoises rely on a habitat that provides suitable food sources, shelter, and the right soil types for burrowing. When timber is over-harvested, it removes not only the trees but also the understory vegetation and soil stability that are critical for the survival of gopher tortoises.

Heavy thinning of trees may still maintain some habitat features that are beneficial, such as allowing more sunlight to reach the ground, promoting understory growth that gopher tortoises can feed on. Controlled burns can rejuvenate habitats by encouraging new growth and maintaining the open habitats that gopher tortoises prefer. Selective vegetation clearing can also help improve the habitat quality by removing invasive or less desirable plant species while allowing beneficial plants to thrive.

In contrast, over-harvesting often results in habitat fragmentation and loss, which disrupts the ecological balance needed for gopher tortoises to thrive. Therefore, it is crucial for habitat management strategies to prioritize sustainable practices that maintain the integrity of the ecosystem for gopher tortoises.