Distribution of the Endangered Hermann's tortoise Testudo hermanni hermanni in Var, France, and recommendations for its conservation

Abstract

Censuses of population fragments of the Endangered, endemic Hermann's tortoise Testudo hermanni hermanni were carried out during 2001–2005 in mainland France to reassess their status and provide guidelines for conservation management. Comparisons with previous censuses suggest a decline in abundance since 1992, although the total area of distribution remains unchanged. If conservation and management decisions only consider sites where there is a high encounter rate of tortoises, 19 sites would be protected. If indicators of effective reproduction (presence of both sexes, juveniles and subadults) are taken into account, 31 sites would deserve attention, of which only 10 have high encounter rates. Discarding sites with low encounter rates omits c. 70% of sites where the species appears to be reproducing. I provide a new map that includes demographic parameters, and thus describe 16 reproductive fragments plus four where reproduction is suspected. In the long-term the major conservation goal should be to protect these fragments and facilitate their reconnection. The global population of Hermann's tortoise could thus be largely contained in eight large fragments, enhancing the persistence of this species in mainland France.