AMRE-1278_Supplementary material.pdf (251.92 kB)
Download filePopulation size and density in two European pond turtle populations of central Italy
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posted on 2020-05-15, 09:37 authored by Marco A.L. Zuffi, Alice Spinelli, Vuk Ikovic, Marco Mangiacotti, Roberto Sacchi, Stefano ScaliTwo populations of the European pond turtle were
studied employing capture, marking and
recapture (CMR) techniques to determine population density and abundance in
natural and protected areas within the Regional Natural park Migliarino San
Rossore Massaciuccoli in north western Tuscany, Italy. The results indicated
strong sexual size dimorphism in both populations, with males smaller than females.
In one area Emys orbicularis was in
general smaller in size with a very low reproductive rate (three out of 25
adult females were gravid), which contrasted with a second population where 20
out of 42 females were gravid. Population estimates indicated 79 turtles were
present in the first area (0.34 ha) and 61 turtles in the second area (0.58
ha), giving an overall density estimate of 183.6 turtles/ha and 146.7
turtles/ha respectively. Whilst our results are similar to those found in other
areas of Europe, they diverge from other regions, suggesting that sampling and
monitoring techniques should be standardized to obtain comparable data that
will enable conservation and protection measures to be recommended.