Great app!
I’ve just started using this app to track the tortoises in my neighborhood. It’s really easy to use and well designed!
Free
About
Contribute to tortoise conservation by logging sightings and burrow information. This app guides users through data collection, mapping, and habitat surveys, building a valuable database for research and protection efforts. It prioritizes user privacy and community review for accurate, impactful conservation.
✓Log tortoise and burrow sightings
✓Guided photo-first data entry
✓Structured habitat surveys
✓Track burrows over time
✓Interactive map with filtering
✓Location privacy protection
✓Community review and validation
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What's New in Gopher Tortoise Watch
1.0.5
September 18, 2026
This update includes comprehensive App Privacy disclosures to provide full transparency on how sighting data and location information are used to support tortoise conservation. There are no changes to the app's features or functionality in this version.
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FAQ
What is Gopher Tortoise Watch?
Gopher Tortoise Watch is a free mobile application designed for citizen scientists to record and map gopher tortoise sightings and their burrows. It helps build a shared database to support research and conservation efforts for this keystone species.
How do I report a tortoise sighting with Gopher Tortoise Watch?
The app features a guided, photo-first flow. You can quickly snap a photo, and the app automatically captures your GPS location. You then add details like life stage, size, and observed behaviors.
Does Gopher Tortoise Watch protect my location data?
Yes, your location privacy is protected. Precise locations are generalized for public viewing to prevent poaching, with exact points only visible to the original observer and authorized reviewers.
Can I track burrows over time with Gopher Tortoise Watch?
Absolutely. You can revisit known burrows, update their status, and link new sightings to nearby burrows. This builds a historical record for each site, revealing long-term patterns.
How does the community review feature work in Gopher Tortoise Watch?
Experienced contributors can validate others' submissions, confirm species and age, suggest identifications, or flag images. Active and accurate observers can apply for Community Reviewer status.
What devices is Gopher Tortoise Watch available on?
Gopher Tortoise Watch is available on iPhone and iPad devices, as indicated by its support for 'iphone', 'ipad', and 'ipod'.
Is Gopher Tortoise Watch suitable for younger users?
The app has an age rating of 17+, suggesting it is intended for mature audiences due to its scientific and potentially complex data logging features.
How often is Gopher Tortoise Watch updated?
The app was last updated on August 31, 2026, with version 1.0.3. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing development and maintenance.
