Imagine if koalas, gorillas, or alligators were to suddenly disappear from Earth. Sadly, this is exactly what may happen. Many species of animals are now listed as being either threatened or endangered. This means that they may soon become extinct. Each book in the Endangered and Threatened Animals series examines the characteristics and habitat of a species at risk of extinction. The author also explains what people are doing to save these animals. The Report Links take the reader to the best Web sites, source documents, and photos related to the study and survival of each species. These books contain a message about the Endangered and Threatened Wildlife list, an animal facts page, chapter notes, a further reading list, and an index. In this new addition to the Endangered and Threatened Animals series, Donald G. Schueler examines the characteristics and habitat of the gopher tortoise. In this book, Schueler explains why the gopher tortoise is facing extinction and what precautions are being taken to help these animals. Interestingly, the author writes from firsthand knowledge of the gopher tortoise, as they live on his property in Mississippi.