Florida is home to plenty of species that need no introduction: alligators, crocodiles, panthers, or manatees.

However, a silent sentinel lies within burrows of Florida's grounds.

The gopher tortoise is one of five North American tortoise species, can be found across the southeastern region of the United States and is currently listed as State-designated Threatened, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Small but mighty, this tortoise is considered to be a keystone species for it's role as "apartment builders," says The Nature Conservancy. Being a keystone species means a large part of an ecosystem is dependent upon its survival, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Gopher tortoises dig burrows that end up not only acting as a home for themselves, but as a refuge for hundreds of other species in Florida.

Examples of animals that benefit from the gopher tortoise's presence are burrowing owls, Florida mice, indigo snakes, rabbits, and gopher frogs, states the FWC. Those which find these underground tunnels are kept safe on the occasion of fires and inclement weather.

As most species in recent history, habitat loss, fragmentation, and urbanization and development, keep on being some of the major factors impacting the loss of biodiversity around the globe.

The FWC details their plan on how they will take action against challenges and how they help the conservation of the gopher tortoise.

Between many things they plan to:

It doesn't stop at the governmental level though, individuals can learn how to get involved with the conservation of these crucial animals by going to the FWC's website.

If applicable to you, private landowners can apply for programs like the gopher tortoise friendly yard recognition program, and if you own 25 or more acres, you can apply for a gopher tortoise recipient site permit. The latter program provides financial incentives for potential applicants and leads to more habitats for tortoises.