POPULATION STATUS AND CONSERVATION of Testudo graeca Linnaeus 1758, (REPTILIA: TESTUDINIDAE) IN GEDİZ DELTA
Project no. 443 · Status: Kapanmış · 2017
Summary
This study aims to determine the distribution, habitat preferences, and population dynamics of Testudo graeca in Gediz Delta. Between 2015 and 2017, 62 days of fieldwork has been completed and 114 individuals ( 20 juvenile, 62 male and 32 female) were observed. In Gediz Delta, average Carapas Straight Lenght of Testudo graeca is measured 94,3 mm ± (SD) 31,33 in juveniles, 190,9 mm ±18.47 in males, and 205,2 mm ± 18,15 in females. Population is male-biased (1,93 m/f) according to observations. Population size between 2015-2017 is calculated as 136 (SE=34,57), 102 (SE=55,98), 51 (SE=8,22) individuals in order, and per hectare 5,6 4,6 and 2,1 individual/hectare in order. Average capture possibility is 1,47±0,7 and survival rate is 0,93±0,02. Among observed individuals, 36 % of them have at least one injury, 26,49 % of them were carapas injuries, and 15,89 % of them were plastron injuries. The Sazlıgöl population of the species were observed around hillside during spring while summer become, the individuals choose close lake side. The main threats of this species in Gediz Delta that were observed in field work is considered as (1) stubble burning, (2) agricultural activities, (3) urbanization and (4) petting. Propositions about sustainability of this species population are also discussed.