See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265621993 Distribution and conservation of Hermann's tortoise in Serbia: presentation of the Rufford project results Conference Paper · September 2013 CITATIONS READS 0 501 1 author: Ana Golubovi ć University of Belgrade 66 PUBLICATIONS 236 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: Conservation of the European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis) and Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) in Montenegro View project Diversity of amphibians and reptiles in the Balkans: evolutionary aspects and conservation. Grant no. 173043 View project All content following this page was uploaded by Ana Golubovi ć on 15 September 2014. The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.
Atelier international sur la gestion et la restauration des populations et habitats de la Tortue d’Hermann International workshop on the management and restoration of Hermann’s tortoise p opulations and habitats Distribution and conservation of Hermann’s tortoise in Serbia: presentation of the Rufford project results Ana Golubović golubovic.ana@bio.bg.ac.rs Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Abstract. Hermann’s tortoises ( Testudo hermanni healthy and dense populations. Also, we took boettgeri Mojsisovics, 1889) in Serbia, and blood samples from Hermann’s tortoises living at generally in the Balkans, suffer high pressure of 21 localities across Serbia. These blood samples illegal collecting and export. Official records testify will be used for creating of the DNA data base, that in 20 th century more than 2 million specimens needed to match the DNA samples taken from the were exported from the territory of former tortoises seized at the borders. This will enable Yugoslavia. In the last decade, there were several returning of seized animals in to their original tortoise seizures on the national borders of Serbia populations. Similar DNA data base for Hermann’s during illegal export attempts. Although numbers tortoise (and other Chelonian species) at the level of exported animals could testify of numerous, of the Balkan Peninsula could be very useful for the dense Hermann’s tortoise populations in the species conservation, since they obviously suffer former Yugoslavia area, reliable data on high illegal trade pressure. There is also an urgent distribution and population status are scarce. need for temporary shelters, in the area of the Relatively recent population studies suggest that Balkan Peninsula, for Chelonians seized at the populations in Serbia are dense and numerous, but borders. At this moment, these animals are placed further research on distribution and population in zoos where most of them suffer suboptimal characteristics are needed. During the field work living conditions. within the Rufford project, we found 34 novel 10 x Keywords: Testudo hermanni boettgeri , illegal 10 km UTM squares for Hermann’s tortoi se trade, Serbia, Balkan Peninsula, DNA database, distribution in Serbia and started population shelter for Chelonians. studies at three new localities with obviously Unfortunately, the Balkan Peninsula is considered Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxemburg and Great almost as a synonym for illegal trade of Hermann’s Britain (Ljubisavljevi ć et al ., 2011). tortoises. Official records on tortoises export exist In the last decade, there were several tortoise since 1929. In 20 th century, there have been more seizures on the national borders of Serbia during than 2 million specimens legally exported from the attempts of illegal export to European Union territory of former Yugoslavia. For an illustration, countries (2005 – 500; 2006 – 180; 2007 – 200 in a single year (1972), 193 000 tortoises were specimens) (Fig. 1.). Sadly, places of capture are officially exported. The largest importers were not known for most of these animals, thus their 147 Partie 3 - Brèves communications, conclusion et discours de clôture
Atelier international sur la gestion et la restauration des populations et habitats de la Tortue d’Hermann International workshop on the management and restoration of Hermann’s tortoise p opulations and habitats returning to original populations is not possible at not covered with previous research, and to collect the moment. This uncontrolled harvesting could blood samples from both newly discovered and have fatal consequences for populations in previously known populations. These blood question. In populations of long living, slowly samples, from different parts of the distribution maturing animals, such as tortoises, removing of range, will enable creating a DNA database, which only 11% of adults could be catastrophic (United can be used for genetic matching with DNA States Fish and Wildlife Service, 1994). samples of tortoises seized at the borders. This should enable returning of these animals into their original populations. We also planned to establish long-term population studies at recently discovered populations and educate people about the tortoises, their vulnerability and problems they encounter. Realization of the project took place in year 2013. During the fieldwork, we found 34 novels 10 x 10 km UTM squares for Hermann’s tortoise distribution is Serbia (Fig. 2), considering places where we found active animals, empty shells or nests. At three new localities, where we encountered more than ten tortoises during half an hour long search, we started population studies (capture-mark-recapture). On the other hand, at several localities where presence of tortoises was not previously recorded, we found traces Figure 1. Tortoises seized at Serbian – Hungarian border, year 2006. remarkably alike to ones made by tortoises passing through vegetation, but we were unable to find Data on distribution of Hermann’s tortoise in any undispute d prove that Hermann’s tortoise Serbia, and generally in the Balkans, are scarce inhabits these places. We consider these localities (Lubisavljevi ć et al ., 2012, 2013). Nonetheless, as potential habitats, thus they will be visited again these data are not comprehensive and don’t offer when higher tortoise activity is expected. For reliable population records. During the past five example, at the locality where we previously years, long-term population studies (capture-mark- marked over 300 individuals, we managed to find recapture) were started at several localities in only one adult male and one nest while searching Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia (see for the needs of Rufford project. presentations of Ljiljana Tomovi ć and Sonja Djordjevi ć ). These studies are the first long-term Blood samples were taken from 21 localities (Fig. population studies on Hermann's tortoises at the 3). In populations of high densities, we took blood area of the Central Balkans, and offer the first samples from several individuals, in order to insight in the population parameters. Considering analyse intra-population genetic variability, since first results, populations of Testudo hermanni in these populations probably suffer the greatest Serbia are numerous and dense. illegal collecting pressure. As far as we know, Serbia is the first country of the Balkans with such Rufford Small Grants Foundation recognised the collection of DNA samples of Testudo hermanni . urgent need for research of Testudo hermanni in Since the problem of illegal export of tortoises Serbia as a highly important aspect in the species does not exist only in Serbia, forming of the similar conservation process, and financed the project DNA data base for Hermann’s tortoise at the level presented herein. The main tasks of the project of Balkan Peninsula could be very useful for the were to explore tortoise distribution in the areas 148 Partie 3 - Brèves communications, conclusion et discours de clôture
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