Literaturdatenbank |
George, G. A. , An ecological approach to maintaining tortoises in northern new jersey. Unpublished paper presented at 8th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles.
Added by: Admin (06 Jan 2014 18:24:28 UTC) |
Resource type: Conference Paper BibTeX citation key: anon2010c View all bibliographic details |
Categories: General Keywords: Haltung - husbandry, Schildkröten - turtles + tortoises, Testudinidae, Testudo graeca, Testudo hermanni, Testudo marginata Creators: George Collection: 8th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles |
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Abstract |
Testudinidae Maintaining tortoises outdoors throughout the year in the North Eastern US has always been considered challenging. In 2004, a denuded horse paddock began its transformation into becoming a self- sustaining meadow for a colony of Mediterranean tortoises which include the marginated tortoise, Testudo marginata, the Greek tortoise, Testudo graeca sp. and the Hermann‘s tortoise, Testudo hermanni sp. To achieve an ecologically balanced habitat whereby tortoises could be sustained through all four seasons required erosion control and soil enhancement along with a systematic plan for meadow reclamation which was initiated by the seeding and cultivation of native and non- native species of edible plants. A variety of tortoise containment barriers and predator control techniques have been explored with varying results. Cold frames and artificial hides were constructed to aid with the thermoregulation of the tortoises through solar gain. The creation of a desirable nesting area through soil enhancement within each enclosure was used to promote localized egg deposition as well as address issues with egg collection. The construction of hibernacula within each enclosure ensured that appropriate temperatures and humidity were maintained during the winter. In conclusion, through the creation of an ecologically balanced tortoise enclosure, these animals can thrive and reproduce outdoors year round with minimal support.
Added by: Admin |