Adults require 16-21 years to mature and may live 40 years or longer. Mating occurs during April to June, with females digging their nest cavity in the mouth of the burrow only once per year. The extremely low reproductive rate is a major limiting factor. The mean clutch size is approximately 6 eggs. The incubation period varies latitudinally from about 80-110 days.
Nests are very susceptible to predation.
Hatchlings will either dig their own miniature burrow or seek shelter opportunistically under sand, debris, or litter. Gopher tortoise density and movements are affected by availability of forbes and grasses. Home range is inversely related to the amount of herbaceous grass cover. As the principal sandhill grazer, the gopher tortoise feeds primarily on grasses, succulent plants and legumes. Legumes appear to be particularly important in the diet of juveniles.