Literaturdatenbank
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Mandimbihasana, A., Currylow, A., Woolaver, L., Gibbons, P. M., Kiester, R., & Stanford, C. , The ploughshare problem: 2013 field report for astrochelys yniphora in madagascar - abstract. Unpublished paper presented at Program and Abstracts of the Tenth Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (06 Jul 2014 16:11:51 UTC) |
| Resource type: Conference Paper BibTeX citation key: Mandimbihasana2013 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Astrochelys radiata, Geochelone sulcata, Habitat - habitat, Kinixys belliana, Kinixys nogueyi, Madagaskar - Madagascar, Malacochersus tornieri, Pyxis arachnoides, Schildkröten - turtles + tortoises, Stigmochelys pardalis, Testudinidae Creators: Currylow, Gibbons, Kiester, Mandimbihasana, Stanford, Woolaver Collection: Program and Abstracts of the Tenth Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles |
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| Abstract |
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Testudinidae Geochelone Ploughshare Tortoises (Astrochelys yniphora) are perilously close to extinction in the wild. The species has never been historically common, but the remaining animals are increasingly finding their way from their small, localized range in Baly Bay, Madagascar to Asian pet markets. To monitor the new situation in Madagascar, conservation and research collaboration was formed between the long-term ploughshare conservation organization, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT), Turtle Conservancy, and researchers at the University of Southern California. In January and April/May this year, we again conducted transect surveys and collected ecological data to assess Ploughshares and train patrolmen. We conducted 151 kilometers of line-transect surveys and found only 26 tortoises. For each animal found, we engraved tortoises that were large/old enough (≥10 years), recorded morphometrics, PIT tagged, collected a blood sample, logged GPS location, and recorded ecological data. This year we initiated a health monitoring component whereby we collected mucous, swab, and blood samples for disease screening, reproductive health, and stress throughout the five inhabited areas of tortoise habitats in Baly Bay. We also visited and sampled the captive breeding center in Ampijoroa for comparisons. Additionally, we deployed transmitters and iButtons on a total of 23 wild tortoises (10♀, 10♂, & 3 sub-adults) across the sites and trained local park patrolmen to track and collect basic field data on the animals. During these activities, we detected signs of poaching and/or bush pig activity in every location visited. Despite some success with the patrols, Ploughshare Tortoises are still being impacted by poaching from the wild. More resources are needed to better equip and boost Ploughshare patrols.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |