The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a species of the Gopherus genus native to the southeastern United States. The gopher tortoise is seen as a keystone species because it digs burrows that provide shelter for 360 other animal species.They are threatened by predation and habitat destruction.he taking of gopher tortoises for sale or use as food or pets has also had a serious effect on some populations. The seriousness of the loss of adult tortoises is magnified by the length of time required for tortoises to reach maturity and their low reproductive rate.
In 1990, Jim and Linda Magglos took out a third mortgage on their home and opened the first Baja Fresh in Newbury Park, California in the Conejo Valley. Franchising began in 1995, and the chain had expanded to 31 outlets by 1997.
Vanilla is a sacred and very important part of their culture and their lives. Vanilla first left Mexico in the early 1500s on ships bound for Spain. It was originally believed only to have value as a perfume. It wasnât until Cortes arrived in 1519 that they discovered that it was also used as a flavor.Until the late 19th century, Mexico had the monopoly on growing vanilla, but now Madagascar grows the majority of the worldâs crop.Additional countries that grow vanilla include Costa Rica, Guatemala, Uganda, Kenya, China, India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii and other Pacific Islands.t wasnât until Cortes arrived in 1519 that they discovered that it was also used as a flavor. Until the late 19th century, Mexico had the monopoly on growing vanilla, but now Madagascar grows the majority of the worldâs crop.