Gopherus polyphemus, commonly known as the gopher tortoise, is native to the southeastern United States. It is primarily found in the coastal plains of the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Gopher tortoises inhabit well-drained, sandy soils that are often found in dry, upland areas. These include longleaf pine forests, oak-sandhills, scrubland, and coastal dunes. The climate in these regions is typically subtropical, featuring hot summers and mild winters, which suits the burrowing lifestyle of the tortoise.

Gopher tortoises are considered a keystone species due to their burrowing behavior. Their burrows provide crucial habitat and refuge for numerous other species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. These burrows create microhabitats that shelter the occupants from extreme temperatures, predators, and fire. Their diet consists primarily of low-growing plants such as grasses and legumes, which they forage during the day.