Literaturdatenbank |
Wallis, D. (2009). Evaluating the short-term success of a reintroduction of the critically endangered ploughshare tortoise, astrochelys yniphora. Unpublished thesis Master of Science, Imperial College, London.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (28 Feb 2010 12:07:49 UTC) |
Resource type: Thesis/Dissertation BibTeX citation key: Wallis2009 View all bibliographic details |
Categories: General Keywords: Astrochelys, Astrochelys yniphora, Habitat = habitat, Madagaskar = Madagascar, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Testudinidae Creators: Wallis Publisher: Imperial College (London) |
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Abstract |
Testudinidae Geochelone The translocation and reintroduction of animals in the wild is an important tool in modern conservation management. It may, however, take many years before projects of this sort can be determined a success, especially when they involve species with long generation times. In such cases, it is essential that regular assessments of short-term success are included as part of any long-term monitoring strategy. The ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora) of Madagascar is critically endangered with extinction. The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT) oversee the in-situ captive breeding programme for this species and assessing the suitability of reintroduction from captivity as a management strategy is of great importance. Following a trial release of 5 individuals, 20 captive bred sub-adult juvenile tortoises were released into the Beaboaly region of Baly Bay National Park, Madagascar in January 2006. All animals were radio-tagged and monitored from 2006 - 2008. Short-term success was assessed by investigating survival and post-release response in body mass, movement and habitat use. Movement was analyzed using GIS and habitat use was analyzed using compositional analysis. All 20 released tortoises survived the duration of this study, remained in the area of release and used habitat and resources in a similar way to wild tortoises. The findings of this study confirm that reintroduction is a promising tool for ploughshare tortoise conservation.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |