Demography and conservation of an isolated Spur-thighed tortoise Testudo graeca population in Dobrogea (Romania)
Journal: Ecologia Balkanica (Vol.5, No. 1)Publication Date: 2013-06-30
Authors : Gabriel Buică Ruben Iosif Dan Cogălniceanu;
Page : 97-106
Keywords : Testudo graeca; estimating population size; density; Romania;
Abstract
Spur-thighed tortoise is a vulnerable species. The local declines of populations led to an imperative need for conservation. Testudo graeca reaches its northern range limit in Dobrogea region, Romania. We studied a population from this region, which occupies an enclosed area of 32 ha within Histria Archaeological Complex. Based on a capture-mark-recapture study we estimated the population size of 221 ± 12.2 individuals. The observed density was 5.1 individuals/ha. The predicted population size suggests a relatively high density in relation to the area thus raising attention for a future conservation strategy. The population structure shows reduced sexual dimorphism and an unbiased sex ratio, implying a young population structure. We suggest correlating the future archaeological studies with conservation requirements of tortoises.
Other Latest Articles
- Macrofungal Communities in Hyrcanian Forests, North of Iran: Relationships with Season and Forest Types
- Successional Pattern, Stand Structure and Regeneration of Forest Vegetation According to Local Environmental Gradients
- Diet of Threatened Pheasant Species in Himalayas, India – A Faecal Analysis Approach
- Reflexiones en torno al fenómeno bullying en el contexto costarricense
- Reproductive Biology of African River Prawn Macrobrachium vollenhovenii (Crustacea, Palaemonidae) In the Lower Taylor Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria
Last modified: 2018-09-11 01:20:21