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Geometrical shape discrimination has been shown to play an important role in the spatial orientation of a wide variety of mammals and birds, while the study of this ability in particular and of cognitive processes in general has been rather neglected in reptiles. The present experiment aims to investigate the ability of wild Greek tortoises Testudo graeca from Topolog forest, Tulcea County, Romania, to discriminate between simple geometrical shapes. Forty-two adult tortoises were subjected to a task consisting of escaping from a square arena through one of the four available doors, each with a geometrical shape attached. Thirty-one individuals completed 10 consecutive trials, requiring significantly less time for the last trial than for the first. This trend suggests that Greek tortoises developed and used an escape strategy, most likely relying on the geometrical shapes provided as cues. This experiment is the first to explore the cognitive processes of this species and further work should expand on the ecological significance of this ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was analyzed the effectiveness of one method of individual and unique marking, alternative to the application of microchip, on 17 specimens of Testudo hermanni through DataDotDNA technology. This technology has proven to be an effective system of marking of Testudo spp., answering the need for unambiguous identification of individuals. Further advantages are the easy application and reading, the long-term resistance as well as the difficulties of possible fraudulent tampering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluctuating asymmetry has been proposed as a useful noninvasive tool for detecting the influence of the environment on body development. In the present study, we used digital images to estimate the fluctuating asymmetry of the plastron in an isolated Testudo graeca population in Dobrogea, Romania. We extracted data from the photos regarding the area, height, and width of 3 plastron scutes. A total of 155 adult tortoises analysed showed reduced variation in plastron asymmetry and no significant relationship was detected between fluctuating asymmetry and sex or body size. We suggest that fluctuating asymmetry may be an individual trait, with no predictive value at the population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci and sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, we examine gene flow in more than 100 spur-thighed tortoises from Transcaucasia and compare our findings with previously published AFLP and mtDNA data. While mtDNA sequences correspond to three deeply divergent clades and AFLP data suggest two distinct groups, microsatellite data indicate weak differentiation and extensive gene flow. We conclude that each marker system reflects a distinct episode in the evolutionary history of the Testudo graeca complex, corresponding to phases of vicariance and extensive gene flow. We hypothesize that the reciprocally monophyletic and deeply divergent mtDNA lineages reflect old vicariance events, while the conflicting nuclear markers are the legacy of younger episodes of extensive gene flow. The differentiation pattern found in the AFLP markers, with AFLP groups matching allopatrically or parapatrically distributed mitochondrial lineages, is likely to be older than the microsatellite differentiation, which could correspond to Holoeene range expansions into Caucasian valleys and lower altitudes. Owing to the largely mutually exclusive distribution ranges of the deeply divergent mtDNA lineages, their identification with distinct subspecies is a reasonable and straightforward classification that facilitates communication and acknowledges the conspecifity of the involved evolutionary units. Consequently, Transcaucasia constitutes an intergradation zone of T. g. armeniaca, T. g. buxtoni and T. g. ibera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, the first in a series on reptile identification, discusses the methods of visually identifying chelonia seen in captivity and presented to the clinician in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A 22-day-old dicephalic spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera) died following a history of lethargy, anorexia and absence of defecation. The two heads were anatomically similar with independent reaction to external stimuli. The carapace showed doubled first and extra second vertebral scutes. Radiography and transplastronal ultrasonography, performed when the animal was alive, revealed two symmetrical stomachs and two asynchronous hearts. These findings were confirmed by necropsy examination. Oesophagus, liver, gallbladder and trachea were also duplicated. Other malformations included pyloric valve atresia of the left stomach, focal stenosis of the transverse colon and liver hypoplasia. Dicephalism rarely occurs in Testudinidae and its pathogenesis, still unclear, is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the presence of Hemolivia parasites in ticks of North African Testudo graeca and their phylogenetic relationships. Polymerase chain reaction screening and DNA sequencing were used to detect these parasites. Sequences from 18S ribosomal RNA were used to estimate their phylogentic relationships. Prevalence was estimated at 22.6 percent of host ticks having Hemolivia mauritanica infection.

Spur-thighed tortoise is a vulnerable species. The local declines of populations led to an imperative need for conservation. Tesfado graeca reaches its northern range limit in Dobrogea region, Romania. We studied a population from this region, which occupies an enclosed area of 32 ha within Histria Archaeological Complex. Based on a capture-mark-recapture study we estimated the population size of 221 ± 12.2 individuals. The observed density was 5.1 individuals/ha. The predicted population size suggests a relatively high density in relation to the area thus raising attention for a future conservation strategy. The population structure shows reduced sexual dimorphism and an unbiased sex ratio, implying a young population structure. We suggest correlating the future archaeological studies with conservation requirements of tortoises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The tissue growth necessary to achieve a complete or partial restitution ad integrum as a result of injury to soft tissue and/or hard times in reptiles is variable and often needs long time in relation to the species, to the habitat and to their intrinsic physiological characteristics. The purpose of this work was to see if the tissue optimization (TO) treatment with radio electric asymmetric conveyer (REAC) provided good results in these animals and whether its use translates into reduced time of tissue repair. This paper describes preliminary results with in promoting the tissue repair in reptiles. Cases presentation: A 5 year old male Testudo graeca (Leo) and Trachemys scripta scripta (Mir) and a 15 year old female Testudo hermanni (Juta) were evaluated because of soft tissue injuries. A female 25 year old Trachemys scripta elegans (Ice), a female 2.5 year old Trachemys scripta scripta (Penelope) as well as a 50 year old male Testudo graeca (Margherito) were evaluated because of wounds of the carapace. Following debridement and traditional therapies, Leo, Penelope and Margherito were exposed to the radio electric asymmetric conveyer (REAC) device, with a specific treatment protocol, named tissue optimization-basic (TO-B). Also Ice and Mir were subjected to REAC treatment after wounds debridement. Juta was treated only with REAC treatment. Complete wound healing was evident after 17 days for Leo, 7 days for Penelope, 27 days for Mir, 78 days for Ice and after 14 days for Margherito. Juta showed a considerable tissue activation in 2 days and complete wound healing in 5 days. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that REAC TO-B treatment may provide advantages over other traditional methods after complete wound healing in Leo, and also suitable healing in the other patients. Then REAC device with its specific treatment TO-B protocol, which induces tissue repair without causing severe stress to the patient, could be a potential therapy for tissue damage healing in reptiles. Further studies still need to be conducted to support our observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally considered that terrestrial chelonians often cope surprisingly well with carapace trauma and it is common to encounter animals with chronic healed shell deformities resulting from previous traumatic episodes. Terrestrial chelonians may incur traumatic shell injuries as a result of being run over by cars or lawnmowers, burned as consequence of wrong pasture management, or gnawed by predators, or they may merely have suffered a significant fall. Here I present the description of two extreme cases of regeneration in Testudo graeca ibera in nature. In one case the tortoise survived an injury that covered more than 50 % of the carapace. The possible causes of injuries are also listed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Human behavior is an important factor in understanding the impact of exurban sprawl (i.e. low-density rural home development) on native species. We studied the long-term effect of pet collection on populations of the threatened spur-thighed tortoise by residents of exurban areas in southeastern Spain. We built a system dynamic model using authors’ own data and bibliographic data about tortoise population dynamics, the housing development dynamics, and the behavior of local residents toward this species. The model includes two submodels (spur-thighed population dynamics and households dynamics) interconnected through a tortoise collection submodel. Simulations showed that exurban intensity (i.e. size of a housing development) is essential in determining the intensity and speed of tortoise population decrease. Populations may become extinct due to collection in areas around medium to large housing developments (above 650 houses). Low housing development causes a considerable reduction of original population levels (more than 14%). Environmental education program by itself, with the aim of reducing the willingness of new residents to keep tortoises in captivity, does not seem very effective. The quality and the speed with which the educational program is initialized are key factors in determining the effectiveness of the educational program. The scenarios simulation results suggest that the integration of policies of strong development constraints and educational programs are the most effective way in reducing the impact of exurban development on tortoise populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Urbanization is one of the main drivers threatening biodiversity. Together with the direct effects of exurban sprawl (e.g., habitat loss), the behavior of new residents may have important implications for species conservation. This manuscript addresses the effects of exurban sprawl on the collection and captivity of the endangered spur-thighed tortoise ( Testudo graeca) in southeastern Spain. In June 2004, we undertook 362 structured interviews with exurban residents. Our results showed that most of the 12% of new residents who keeps tortoises in captivity have collected them from the wild (51%). Reintroductions and captive breeding were also frequent practices (24% and 26%, respectively). These practices, which are expected to increase in forthcoming years, might have important implications for the conservation of the species (local extinction, disease spread, or genetic mixing). Paradoxically, new residents collect tortoises to 'protect' wild individuals from natural and anthropic threats. Therefore, even though many new residents are concerned about the spur-thighed tortoise, they do not practice sound conservation measures. This study highlights the importance of incorporating human dimensions for wildlife into planning for urban sprawl. © 2012 The Wildlife Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the morphological differences of the Spur-thighed Tortoise found in eastern Turkey. The study was performed at the Nemrut Volcano and near Lake Van with 305 specimens, where most of them are adult tortoises. Results showed the morphological diversity of Spur-thighed Tortoise in terms of environmental factors like water supply and vegetation cover.

The article describes the cross-amplification of microsatellite loci for several Testudo species. Species examined include T. hermanni, T. hercegovinensis, T. marginata and T. graeca. 23 microsatellite loci were tested, with 12 being discarded. The 11 microsatellite loci gave reliable and repeated genotyping results in all tested Testudo species/subspecies. A total of 8-10 polymorphic loci was defined across the tested microsatellite genetic markers. Results of the study confirmed the validity of cross-amplification tests across taxa which are phylogenetically distant.

The wild diet of Testudo graeca ibera in Dobrogea, Romania is investigated by direct observation. A clear predominance (over 95%) of plant matter is noticed, with 25 plant species consumed. Moreover the ingestion of animal matter (carrion) as well as calcareous earth was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being one of the most charismatic elements of the Mediterranean Basin fauna and its threatened status, the western Mediterranean range of Testudo graeca is at present very poorly known. The present work provides the most detailed geographical and ecological description for the North African clade of T. graeca so far. We gathered 283 occurrence data of T. graeca in North Africa and modelled the distribution by means of presence-only distribution modelling tools. The obtained model was then projected to southern Europe in order to explore whether the environmental characteristics of European populations fall into the predicted niche of the species in North Africa. T. graeca showed a wide environmental range in North Africa. Presence localities ranged from the sea level to 2090 m of altitude and from 116 to 1093 mm of annual precipitation. The presence-only model indicates that distribution in North Africa is mainly related to rainfall, specifically rainfall values in the wettest and coldest quarter of the year. The distribution model showed a range of ca. 1 000 000 km2. The projection of the model to southern Europe showed that the southern Iberian and Balkan Peninsulas, as well as most Mediterranean islands, present climatic conditions within those found in the range of the species in North Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigates on the genetic characterization of Iranian tortoise specie Testudo graeca through prototype sequencing and 19th century holotype. The study excised a piece of dried skin from the holotype specimen of Testudo zarudnyi (ZIN 8738) following the DNA extraction and precaution against contamination protocol of Kearney and Stuart in 2004. The study found two major haploclades in Iran with different pairwise sequence divergence. Moreover, the results of the study can be used as guide for taxonomic studies concerning clarification of haplocades distribution.

Background: Hyalomma aegyptium is a hard-tick with a typical three-host life cycle. The main hosts are Palearctic tortoises of genus Testudo. However, other hosts can be used by immature ticks for feeding in natural conditions. Given this complex ecology and multiple host use, the circulation of pathogens by H. aegyptium between various hosts can be important from epidemiological point of view. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of H. aegyptium as natural carrier of four important zoonotic pathogens. Methods: From 2008 to 2011, 448 H. aegyptium ticks were collected from 45 Spur-thighed tortoises, Testudo graeca in Romania. DNA was extracted individually from each tick using a commercial kit. DNA was examined for the presence of specific sequences of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis and Coxiella burnetii by PCR, according to previously described protocols. Results: PCR analysis of H. aegyptium revealed the presence of A. phagocytophilum (18.8%), E. canis (14.1%) and C. burnetii (10%). 32.4% of the ticks were infected with at least one pathogen and 9.8% had co-infections. The stages most frequently infected were nymphs (50%) followed by males (33.9%) and females (27%). The number of tortoises which harboured infected ticks was 27/45 examined (60%). From all tested T. graeca, 40% harboured ticks infected with A. phagocytophilum, 46.7% had ticks infected with E. canis and 33.3% had ticks with C. burnetii. This study reports for the first time the presence of A. phagocytophilum and E. canis in H. aegyptium. Conclusions: The presence and relatively high prevalence of three important zoonotic pathogens in H. aegyptium raises the question of their epidemiologic importance in disease ecology. As tortoises are unlikely to be reservoir hosts for A. phagocytophilum and E. canis and both these pathogens are common in H. aegyptium, this is an important indication for (1) a possible increased host-switching behaviour of these ticks to competent reservoir hosts (i.e. hedgehogs) and (2) transstadial transmission. Furthermore, if we consider also the presence of C. burnetii, we conclude that T. graeca and its ticks should be evaluated more seriously when assessing the eco-epidemiology of zoonotic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous data have shown that the Former Yugoslavia had a significant role in exports of land tortoises (Testudo spp.) during the past century. In this paper we present historical exploitation and compare dynamics of the trade in land tortoises in the former Yugoslavia according to Federal Statistical Office and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) database. Also we examine impact of long-term harvesting on the health of populations by calculating the condition index (CI) in the sample populations of the most common tortoise in the former Yugoslavia (Testudo hermanni). According to the Federal Statistical Office's records of international trade, a total of 2615 metric tonnes of tortoises (T. hermanni and T. graeca) were exported from the Former Yugoslavia within a 41-year period during the 20th century. These exports represented a total of 2.142 million specimens. The quantities of tortoises exported peaked at a value of 236 tons in 1972. Since 1929, tortoises have been exported to 19 countries. The largest importers were Germany, Italy, Belgium-Luxembourg and Great Britain. These countries accounted for 77% of the total exports. We found many discrepancies between official Federal records and CITES records for the period from 1975 onwards. Differences were found in the quantities exported, the identities of the importing countries and their relative shares of the total export of tortoises. The current optimal CI values in examined tortoises suggest a response to overharvesting through densitydependent processes. The paper discusses a current situation in tortoise farming and trade and further perspectives on conservation of tortoise populations in the region of the former Yugoslavia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The courtship behavior of male Greek tortoises (Testudo graeca) is based on a multiple signaling system that involves tactile, visual, olfactory, and acoustic signals. In some recent studies on marginated (Testudo marginata) and Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni) we showed that male mounting success was significantly and positively correlated to the intensity of courtship displays. This was due to the number of rams and bites and the number of calls emitted during mounting, which are considered to be condition-dependent signals that reliably convey information on male quality. In this correlative study, we analyzed relationships between male morphology, hematological profile, courtship intensity, vocalizations, and mounting success in a group of 104 Greek tortoises breeding in seminatural enclosures. As expected, our study showed that mounting success of males was positively correlated to the number of rams and the frequency of interactions during courtship and negatively correlated to the call duration. Moreover the hematocrit was positively correlated with the call rate and the number of rams. Therefore, courtship signals exhibited by male Greek tortoises, including vocalizations, reliably reveal different components of male condition, and females may use these signals to choose high-quality partners, as previously observed in marginated and Hermann's tortoises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife translocations, the deliberate movement of animals from one part of their distribution to another, are increasingly used as a conservation method for the reestablishment of rare and endangered species. The objective of this study was to examine the movement patterns and macro- and microhabitat use of translocated and resident spur-thighed tortoises. This translocation was considered a soft-release as the tortoises were forced to be relatively inactive due to their being released at the beginning of the aestivation season. Our results suggest that forced aestivation soft-releases may succeed in reducing dispersal by forcing spur-thighed tortoises to spend time at the release site as the majority of translocated tortoises had similar activity range sizes and movement path tortuosity as resident tortoises. Spur-thighed tortoise conservation will require protecting habitat at multiple scales, with the remaining native forests in the country of Jordan being important to the spur-thighed tortoise during the activity and aestivation/hibernation seasons, as this macrohabitat was used significantly more than the human-modified habitats. Microhabitat structures such as leaf litter and availability of large stones may also be especially important in human-modified landscapes, as these microhabitats may help reduce the effects of habitat degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fire and fire management are recognized as important factors in biodiversity conservation. Measuring species-level demographic, behavioural and population responses to different fire regimes is essential for designing adequate management policies. Here we assessed the impact of fire on survival rates, reproduction and movement patterns in Testudo graeca, an endangered terrestrial tortoise inhabiting the Mediterranean region, a system in which fire plays a relevant role in the functioning of their ecosystems. Then we predicted the probabilities of quasi-extinction of T. graeca under several fire regimes and population sizes by means of stochastic population models. Our results showed that fire caused direct and delayed reductions in local survival, young individuals being the most affected. There were not differences in fecundity and movement patterns of tortoises between burned and unburned areas. Population models showed a strong variation in the probability of quasi-extinction of populations depending on the fire regime and the population size. Under fire frequencies similar to those occurring in the wild (<1 fire every 20–30years) most tortoise populations seemed to buffer the effects of fires. However, when this threshold value of fire frequency was surpassed, the probability of quasi-extinction of populations exploded for all populations, except for those with the largest sizes. T. graeca populations may be able to cope with natural current fire frequencies, but the effects of more recurrent fires may severely threaten the species. Our results have straightforward applications for fire management purposes in those areas of the Mediterranean region where this endangered species is present. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Wild populations of many species are declining as a result of habitat destruction and climate change but also through the over-collection for wild meat and the pet trade. With a long history of trade around the Mediterranean, populations of the spur-thighed tortoise ( Testudo graeca graeca) have become highly disturbed. In this study we utilise a molecular approach to investigate the diversity, population admixture and structure of T. g. graeca populations in northern Africa and southern Spain, as well as to obtain an insight into the origin of newly established populations in the south of Europe. We infer this from the sequencing of two partial regions of the mitochondria ( 12s rRNA + cyt b) and genotyping at 16 microsatellite markers in 448 tortoises. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that Spanish populations were founded from North Africa, the consequence of multiple introductions or exchanges in genetic material as a result of trans-oceanic dispersal. Despite the trade of individuals between both sides of the Gibraltar Strait, our analysis of population structure showed clear differences between both the African and European populations, suggesting an incipient evolutionary lineage in southeast of Spain. As such, these populations possess unique genetic identities and should be treated as different management units. Surprisingly, the genetic data identified a great deal of diversity contained within pet (captive) stock and also allowed us to infer hybrids among individuals with another species of terrestrial tortoise from northern Spain ( T. hermanni hermanni). Additionally, our results provide insight into the local movement and trade of individuals that has occurred around the Mediterranean basin (between northern Africa and southern Spain) and as such provides guidance for the effective management of T. g. graeca captive stock and the illegal trafficking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using mtDNA sequences and 12 microsatellite loci, we compare populations of Testudo graeca from Sardinia and North Africa. The observed pattern of almost no differentiation combined with reduced variation in the Sardinian population is consistent with introduction in prehistoric or historic times from what is now Tunisia and neighbouring Algeria. Furthermore, in the light of the recently published recommendation to eradicate the non-native T. graeca from Italy, we review recent studies on the archaeological and fossil record, on the phylogeography and population genetics of the three other chelonian species occurring in Sardinia (Emys orbicularis, T. hermanni, T. marginata). We conclude that the extant Sardinian populations of all four species are not native. However, they are and should be safeguarded under EC law (Council Regulation No 338/97 on the Protection of Species of Wild Fauna and Flora; Flora Fauna Habitat Directive: Appendix IV, Art. 12) because they serve as a back-up for the declining mainland populations. Moreover, these populations constitute an important part of the human-shaped natural heritage of the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work we analyzed the genetic structure of the populations of the terrestrial tortoise Testudo graeca graeca in southeastern Spain, identified as a recent range expansion from North Africa. The study and interpretation of the species' genetic spatial pattern could provide clues to the processes related to the species' arrival and, because of its endangered status, is especially useful in implementing appropriate management measures. We used microsatellite markers to analyze 17 populations located in the coastal region of the species' range in southeastern Spain, and an external group of Algerian tortoises. Three genetic units with a high level of spatial coherence and moderate levels of admixture resulted from a cluster analysis, and an isolation-by-distance pattern covering the entire study area was detected. These results suggest that southeastern Spanish populations show a complex spatial genetic pattern resulting from their isolation from North African populations and their natural dispersal in this region. Finally, our work shows that conservation actions such as captive breeding, introductions or translocations, may have played a relevant role in the modification of the genetic structure of some populations in southeastern Spain. Therefore, these types of conservation measures should be carried out with more caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In April 2008, 585 tortoises illegally imported into Italy from North Africa were examined for the presence of ticks. Of these, 221 tortoises (37.8%) were infested with a mean intensity of 3.9 ± 3.1 ticks (range 1–17 ticks). A total of 798 ticks (672 males, 125 females and one nymph) were collected and identified as Hyalomma aegyptium (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae). The overall male : female ratio observed was 5 : 1. The prevalence and mean intensity [±standard deviation (SD)] of ticks were higher among male (67.4%, 4.0 ± 3.2) than female (55.6%, 3.8 ± 3.1) tortoises, although this difference was not significant. By contrast, the prevalence and mean intensity of ticks were significantly higher on tortoises weighing >100 g (61.5%, 4.0 ± 3.2) compared with tortoises weighing <100 g (12.1%, 2.1 ± 1.1). Of the infested tortoises, 89.8% had ticks on their hind limbs, 21.0% on forelimbs, 18.6% on the tail and pre-anal area, and 4.8% on the head; thus the hind limbs were evidently the preferred attachment site. The present report highlights the need to develop surveillance systems to prevent the introduction and spreading of exotic ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Italy and other European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spur-thighed tortoise Testudo graeca ibera Pallas, 1814 is a good example of a vulnerable long-lived CITES species, which is widely bred as a pet and can be easily reproduced in captivity. However, the high number of bred tortoises makes it difficult to monitor the international pet trade. Despite microchipping being widely recommended as an identification method, it is unsuitable for hatchlings and young tortoises because implanting the chip in chelonians can sometimes cause health problems. We believe that these disadvantages can be resolved by plastron photo documentation but this method is still not considered a valid alternative. The objective of this study was to find a method for identifying a specimen from a photograph database using morphometrics, an approach potentially more reliable than other fingerprinting methods currently used for tortoises. We propose a combined dissimilarity measure calculated from the relative differences in seam distances between two plastron photographs. The reliability of identification is studied on a dataset of 90 spur-thighed tortoises, 20 of which were photographed at ages two, eight, 14 and 20 months. We achieved a reliability of 99.3–99.9% in identifying time-lagged photographs of the same individual against photographs of unrelated individuals, and 97.5–99.8% in identifying time-lagged photographs against photographs of siblings. We conclude that a properly taken plastron photograph of Testudo graeca enables precise identification during the first years of ontogenetic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The stimulatory effect of testosterone on male sexual activity is one of the clearest examples linking hormones and behaviors. However, this relationship is complex in Chelonians. We experimentally studied the influence of testosterone levels on the activity budget and space use in male Greek tortoises (Testudo graeca graeca) during the spring mating season. We first described the annual pattern of changes in plasma testosterone levels in free-ranging animals in Morocco. Two peaks, one in winter and one in summer, corresponded to periods of inactivity; whereas mating periods in spring and to a lesser extent in autumn were associated with low plasma testosterone levels. Second, we experimentally manipulated plasma testosterone levels in free-ranging males, and analyzed the behavioral consequences. The strong contrasts in plasma hormone levels induced by the experimental treatments did not result in changes in activity budget or space use, both in the short-term or more than one month after the beginning of the hormonal treatment. Our results suggest that testosterone levels did not influence directly behavioral activity in this species, either immediately or after a time delay of one month. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Assessing the spatial structure of abundance of a species is a basic requirement to carry out adequate conservation strategies. However, existing attempts to predict species abundance, particularly in absolute units and on large scales, are scarce and have led to weak results. In this work we present a scheme to obtain, in an affordable way, a predictive model of absolute animal abundance on large scales based on the modelling of data obtained from local ecological knowledge (LEK) and its calibration. To exemplify this scheme, we build and validate a predictive absolute abundance model of the endangered terrestrial tortoise Testudo graeca in Southeast Iberian Peninsula. For that purpose, we collected distribution and relative abundance data of T. graeca using a low cost methodology, such as LEK, by means of interviewing shepherds. The information from LEK was employed to build a predictive habitat-based model of relative abundance. The relative abundance model was transformed into an absolute abundance model by means of calibration with a classical absolute abundance sampling method such as distance sampling. The obtained absolute abundance model predicted the observed absolute abundances values well in independent locations when compared with other works (R2 = 36%) and thus can offer a cost-effective predictive ability. Our results show that reliable habitatbased predictive maps of absolute species abundance on regional scales can be obtained starting from low cost sampling methods of relative abundance, such as LEK, and its calibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a study which examined the prevalence of the parasite Hemolivia Mauritanica in Spur-thighed tortoises found in Algeria. The study found that the parasite infected the erythrocytes of Testudo graeca. The infected blood cells were categorized based on several factors including parasite gametocyte size, and the effect on cell deformation.

Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) is actually included in the IUCN as vulnerable species. Its main European population is located in southeastern Spain. Although a great deal of information has been acquired on the internal medicine and survey and even parasitological fauna on these animals, there are no references about contaminants levels in this species. The objectives of this study were to compare the levels of two metals (cadmium and lead) in the blood of spur-thighed tortoises from two different populations, one from Southeastern of Spain (n = 22) and the other from North of Africa (n = 39), kept in captivity at the Santa Faz Recuperation Centre (Alicante, Spain) and to investigate the relationship between their blood levels of lead and their blood δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity. Blood lead and cadmium concentrations were higher in tortoises from African than in those from Spain. Moreover, a negative and significant correlation (P<0.05) was found between δ-ALAD activity and blood lead levels, indicating the suitability of this enzyme as biomarker for lead in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented discussing a study that determines the biological and epidemiological role of Hyalomma aegyptium ticks, during 2009-2010, through collection of adult ticks from 12 Testudo graeca tortoises near the city of Aflou in Laghouat Province, Algeria.

The article discusses a study which detailed an osteological description of the shell of Testudo kleinmanni. Testudo kleinmanni is a small tortoise species found only in a narrow, discontinuous strip along the southeastern Mediterranean coast that extends from Libya to Israel. The characteristics of its nuchal, suprapygal, pygal, epiplastron, entoplastron, hyoplastron and xiphiplastron are said to differentiate it from Testudo graeca. According to the study authors, the rarity of fossil and subfossil records relating to Testudo kleinmannu can be blamed to the fact that diagnostic osteological characters were previously unknown.

The use of local ecological knowledge (LEK) has been advocated for biodiversity monitoring and management. To date, however, it has been underused in studying wild populations of animals and, particularly, in obtaining quantitative abundance estimates. We evaluated LEK as a tool for collecting extensive data on local animal abundance and population trends. We interviewed shepherds in southeastern Spain, asking them to estimate the local abundance of the terrestrial tortoise Testudo graeca . We quantified reliability of abundance estimates derived from interviews by comparing them with those obtained from standard field-sampling protocols (distance sampling). We also explored the complementarity of these 2 approaches. LEK provided high-quality and low-cost information about both distribution and abundance of T. graeca . Interviews with shepherds yielded abundance estimates in a much wider range than linear transects, which only detected the species in the upper two-thirds of its abundance range. Abundance estimates from both methodologies showed a close relationship. Analysis of confidence intervals indicated local knowledge could be used to estimate mean local abundances and to detect mean population trends. A cost analysis determined that the information derived from LEK was 100 times cheaper than that obtained through linear-transect surveys. Our results should further the use of LEK as a standard tool for sampling the quantitative abundance of a great variety of taxa, particularly when population densities are low and traditional sampling methods are expensive or difficult to implement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global trade in tortoises of the genus Testudo was reviewed by using compiled import data from Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) for 1975-2005. A total of 58 importing and 112 exporting countries were recorded as being involved with the Testudo trade. Turkey, the former Soviet Union, the former Yugoslavia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Ukraine accounted for 81% of the recorded exports; whereas, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States dominated the import market with 67% of the individuals. Testudo horsfieldi accounted for 48% of the exports, followed by Testudo graeca (37%) and Testudo hermanni (13%). A total of 2,062,289 individuals were traded internationally, and of these, 99% were live animals. Of the animals from known sources, 67% were from the wild, and 16% were allegedly captive bred; the source of 70% of all declared trade animals was unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We documented differential blood cell counts and plasma polypeptide profiles in Testudo graeca and T. horsfieldii raised in captivity in Lebanon, and investigated bioactivity of T. graeca plasma against a human colon cancer cell line (HCT-116). The percentage of red blood cells, thrombocytes, heterophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils did not differ significantly between the species during winter or spring. The total number of plasma polypeptides differed between the species, with 2 additional polypeptide bands in T. horsfieldii. Plasma from T. graeca significantly affected the percentage proliferation and percentage viability of human cancer cell line HCT-116. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The turtles of the Caucasus are poorly studied, and basic data on their geographic distribution in some Caucasian regions are poorly collated, hard to access, or entirely lacking. We present a comprehensive review of turtle localities in such a region, Armenia and Nagorno- Karabakh Republic (Artsakh), based on literature records, personal observations, and museum specimens. The compiled data for the 3 native species (Emys orbicularis, Mauremys caspica, and Testudo graeca) show that their distributions in this region are restricted to 3 areas of low elevation. In the northeast, turtles can be found in the Kura River drainage. In the south and west, turtles can be found in the Arax River drainage. The distributions of species within these areas vary, with E. orbicularis being the most restricted by elevation. We note that the 3 regions here form part of an important transect from the interior Arax drainage (in the Ararat region of western Armenia) to near its confluence with the Kura drainage (in southern Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh) to the Kura drainage sensu stricto (in northeast Armenia). Future studies of turtles in these areas will play an important role in understanding the historical biogeography of Caucasian turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most animal species, it is expected that females should exhibit a greater abdominal volume than males to hold the progeny, when compared with females, males should exhibit more developed attributes that enhance mobility. We tested this hypothesis in the Greek tortoise. In chelonians, a reduction of the openings in the shell improves protection against predation but also constrains the abdominal volume and limits the space available to move the limbs. As expected, our data show that the shell provides a larger abdominal volume relative to tortoise size in females than in males. In males, deep notches in the shell and a reduction of several plastron plates offer more freedom to the limbs and to the tail; these characteristics presumably enhance mating success. Further studies are necessary to assess the applicability of these results in other chelonians, notably freshwater and marine turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two tortoises with mixed characters between Testudo hermanni boettgeri and T. graeca ibera were discovered during a trip in "Canaraua Fetii Forest" Mixed Nature Reserve (southern Dobrudja, Romania). A hybridization event was suspected. According to external qualitative morphological characters, our preliminary results suggest two morphologically anomalous T. h. boettgeri. The two specimens displayed mostly typical T. h. boettgeri morphological characters, but also anomalous characters, which are typical for T. g. ibera (e.g. the existence of horny spurs on the internal part of the thigh). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]