Literaturdatenbank
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Mifsud, D. A., & Stapleton, M. M. (2014). Kinixys conservation blueprint: A comprehensive assessment to ensure the future of the genus Herpetological Resource and Management Technical Publication 2014.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (06 Jul 2014 16:11:54 UTC) |
| Resource type: Report/Documentation BibTeX citation key: Mifsud2014 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Afrika = Africa, Habitat - habitat, Haltung - husbandry, Podocnemididae, Podocnemis expansa, Schildkröten - turtles + tortoises, Veterinärmedizin - veterinary medicine Creators: Mifsud, Stapleton Publisher: Herpetological Resource and Management Technical Publication 2014 |
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| Abstract |
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Testudinidae Status The genus Kinixys, commonly known as the Hingeback Tortoises, is a historically understudied and monitored group of chelonians in need of greater conservation attention and management. This genus occupies a vast region across sub-Saharan Africa; however, population densities and distributions are currently unknown for many species. A recent taxonomical revision of the genus which elevated two subspecies to full species has resulted in the recognition of eight species: K. homeana, K. erosa, K. nogueyi, K. belliana, K. spekii, K. natalensis, K. lobatsiana, and K. zombenis. The latter includes 2 subspecies: K. z. zombensis and K. z. domerguei. There are numerous gaps in data regarding population viabilities, threats, habitat use, natural history, and conservation needs. Based on current literature it is highly likely that all Kinixys are in decline throughout the range. Until recently, over 75% of Kinixys were considered Not Evaluated (NE) or Data Deficient (DD). The data from an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessment workshop conducted in 2013 for sub-Saharan African turtles and tortoises resulted in the draft ranking of all species as Vulnerable (K. nogueyi, K. spekii, K. belliana, K. natalensis, K. lobatsiana, and K. zombensis), Endangered (K. erosa), or Critically Endangered (K. homeana). Threats Hingeback tortoises are faced with multiple stressors that continue to reduce their range, population size, and overall species viability. Habitat degradation and loss are likely major causes of declining Kinixys populations. Factors contributing to the loss of high quality habitat across Africa include fragmentation caused by infrastructure (i.e., roads, fences), climate change, unsustainable land management (i.e., agricultural conversion, intentional use of fire), mineral and oil extraction, and timber harvesting. Additionally, significant numbers of Hingeback tortoises are unsustainably collected (both legally and illegally) from the wild. Kinixys face extensive pressures from collection as they are hunted for consumption and trade in bushmeat and fetish markets while others are exported for sale in both the legal and illegal international pet trade. Conservation Objectives and Recommendations The Kinixys Conservation Blueprint (KCB) provides information on species distribution, habitat and ecology, global and regional status, domestic and international threats, conservation and management, and husbandry and captive breeding. The primary objective of the KCB is to provide a broad/holistic approach to implement conservation measures aimed at reducing the impacts and pressures on this genus and develop achievable objectives to help maintain viable populations and species protection throughout Africa. The long-term conservation strategy to successfully preserve Hingeback tortoises requires a multifaceted approach and international partnerships utilizing adaptive management. Several recommended strategies that should be considered to provide immediate and future conservation of this genus include: Conduct additional in situ research on all Kinixys to better understand species ranges and distributions, with an emphasis placed on K. belliana. Conduct comprehensive surveys targeting the Malagasy endemic K. z. domerguei assessing natural history, threats, and conservation needs. Focus research to better understand Kinixys ecology and natural history including reproductive behavior, nesting, incubation and associated diapause, juvenile diet, and habitat selection. Collect genetic samples to better determine the number of species within the genus and better define their geographic distribution and relatedness among populations. Increase habitat protection through enforcement of stricter regulations. Protect and restore corridors of protected habitat to combat fragmentation • of populations within species ranges. Priority should be given to zones of sympatry that support multiple species. Reduce export quotas to minimize collection pressure. Eliminating quotas for wild collected or “ranched” animals for K. homeana and K. erosa is strongly recommended. Improve trade monitoring for Kinixys and other African illegally collected wildlife. Within range countries, enact and enforce regulations to protect Kinixys from sale in food or fetish markets. To meet the demand and interest in these species, placing a greater emphasis on captive bred animals is encouraged. Establish both in situ and ex situ assurance colonies to help safeguard species and increase public outreach and learning opportunities. Captive programs should be used as a means to develop a better understanding of Kinixys behavior and husbandry needs including incubation, developmental diapause, and TSD. Objective Despite Africa’s rich assemblage of tortoises, conservation and management efforts for most species have been limited, inadequate, or ineffective. Over the last 50 years tortoises of the genus Kinixys have undergone significant declines from various threats including substantial habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation, massive collection for bushmeat and the pet trade, and poor land management. Though this genus is afforded some protection through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) with Appendix II status and protected from legal collection in some countries, decline throughout its range continues. Until recently, over 75% of the species within the Kinixys genus were considered Not Evaluated (NE) or Data Deficient (DD) by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Redlist. Based on results of the Redlist assessment focused on sub-Saharan African chelonians conducted in August of 2013, all species of Kinixys were evaluated as being provisionally Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered with forest species identified as those in greatest immediate need for conservation action. Although research has been conducted with select species, little is known about this genus in many parts of its range. Numerous data gaps exist regarding species viability, threats, habitat use, natural history, reproduction, longevity, population structure, husbandry, and conservation needs by species within range country and range-wide. This genus as a whole is highly vulnerable to continued decline and potential extinction if proactive conservation measures are not implemented quickly. To best manage and conserve this genus, research to collect qualitative and quantitative baseline data will be required to allow assessment of population trends over time. To date, no comprehensive effort has been made to compile and synthesize available research and resources on the entire genus. The Kinixys Conservation Blueprint (KCB) can be a critical step in developing a comprehensive framework for conservation and best management of the Kinixys genus. The goal of the KCB will be to serve as a conservation and resource tool summarizing the current collective knowledge on this genus to provide general recommendations to help best protect and manage this genus. Through proactive planning, science-based conservation, and adaptive management, this genus of unique and ancient tortoises can continue to be a common sight on the African landscape.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |