Biological Conservation 31 (1985) 125-152
The Ecology of the Mediterranean Tortoise
TestudoDavid Stubbs, Ian R. Swingland & Adrian Hailey,*
School of Continuing Education, University of Kent,
Canterbury CT2 7NX, Great Britain
&
Elizabeth Pulford
School of Animal Biology, University College of North Wales,
Bangor, Gwynned LL57 2UW, Wales
ABSTRACT
Two large, dense and viable populations of Testudo hermanni inhabiting adjacent sites in northern Greece were studied over three years. One site experienced severe habitat destruction by fire during the course of the study, and the other may either have been seriously disturbed in a single event several years previously, or is suffering from a continual low level of disturbance. In the stable situation average population density was estimated as 45 tortoises ha-1 and in parts may have reached 100 ha-1. The adult sex ratio was biased 2:1 in favour of males, due to higher female mortality. Most animals were sedentary, but there were some seasonal movements between vegetation types for feeding. The immediate effect of the fire was an estimated 40% population reduction, with juveniles being most severely affected. Subsequently the growth rate of immature animals rose sharply. This study demonstrates the relative resistance of tortoise populations to a sudden and temporary catastrophe, and their high potential for recovery if left undisturbed.
* Present address; Department of Zoology, University of Thessaloniki, Greece.