Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is a data deficient Natura 2000 species and is a priority species for the Park to investigate. In the past this species has been heavily collected for the pet trade but within the park this is now well policed. This project is designed to produce data on the density of this species in different habitats and determine the age group class structure of the population, plus yield additional information on movement patterns and habitat usage. Despite tortoises being relatively slow moving and fairly easy to spot in open terrain, estimating their population levels is surprisingly difficult. During low and high temperatures they tend to hide in the shade under impenetrable thickets of juniper or dig themselves underground, so an area can apparently be searched efficiently with no results, only for the same area to reveal a good population when they come out of hiding during more congenial temperatures! This project will look at how best to assess the populations in 500m x 500m plots using both mark release recapture and from catch per unit effort at the best times of day. All tortoises captured will be given an individual mark by clipping the marginal scutes in a defined pattern, measured (carapace length, plastron length, weight etc) and released at the same site of capture. In addition, movement patterns can be monitored within the study squares using direct observation and also by use of fluorescent powder and tracking the trails after dark using UV light.

Extended Dissertation Summary

If you would like to do a dissertation or thesis with us but your university hasn’t started dissertation planning or the project selection process, that’s no problem. You can cancel your expedition with zero cancellation charges up until the 15th of April of if you provide documentation from your university saying that they won’t support completing a dissertation project with us.