Predation on Translocated Burmese Star Tortoise (Geochelone platynota) by Asiatic Jackals (Canis aureus) and Wild Pigs (Sus scrofa) at a Wildlife Sanctuary in Myanmar

Successful restoration of Geochelone platynota to Dry Zone ecosystems in Myanmar depends on the survival of translocated tortoises and, therefore, a knowledge of predators and predation is important. We here report the loss of 28 and approximately 200 translocated G. platynota to Eurasian golden jackals (Canis aureus) and wild pigs (Sus scrofa), respectively, at Shwe Settaw Wildlife Sanctuary in central Myanmar. Measures to reduce the risk of future predation include structural reinforcement of acclimation pens to deter wild pigs and the experimental use of large cat (e.g., tiger [Panthera tigris] and leopard [Panthera pardus]) odors to repel jackals and wild pigs from the translocation area.