Abstract
Increase of the fecundity in Hermann 's Tortoise Testudo hermanni hermanni in insular conditions: an opposite case of the insular syndrome? - The reproductive parameters of the Hermann's Tortoise Testudo hermanni were studied by radiography in Corsica (Porto-Vecchio -island population-) and in Provence (Maures Massif -mainland population-). The following parameters were measured: number of eggs per clutch, clutch frequency, annual fecundity (eggs produced per female per year) and size of the eggs. There was a significantly higher fecundity in the island area, i.e. more eggs per clutch (4 against 3), a higher clutch frequency (1.9 against 1.4) and a global fecundity of 7.7 eggs/female/year as compared to 4.2 eggs/female/year in the mainland area. This increase in fecundity did not change also after taking into account the size of the females, which were larger in the island area. Indeed, female size does not influence the size of the eggs. The observed increase in fecundity contradicts the theory of the insular syndrome which predicts a decrease in fecundity in insular conditions. This dissension may be the result of the originality of tortoises at the ecophysiological level (long lifetime herbivore species) or may partially depend on distinct local adaptations.
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