Resumen

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.

Palabras clave: Testudo graeca estimating population size density Romania.

2013-11-14   |   1,098 visitas   |   Evalua este artículo 0 valoraciones

Vol. 5 Núm.1. Junio 2013 Pags. 97-106 Ecologia Balkanica 2013; 5(1)