Population ecology of Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) in Turkey

In this study, population ecology of Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) was investigated. A total of 37 days were spent on the field with 5 visits during April-August 2014. We measured totally 100 (53 ♂♂ 28 ♀♀ 18 juvenil and 1 unknown) T. hermanni. The mean carapace length was 157±2.5 mm in males and 179.9 ±5.8 in females. The mean weight was 910 ±36 in males and 1299.4 ±9 in females The females were larger and heavier than males. The frequency distribution of age was skewed to 11-15(%) age group. The mean body temperature was 26.1±0.6 oC in males and 25.96±0.9 oC in females. The individuals were mostly encountered between the hours 10.01-12.00 (%). Most of the individuals were encountered during active movement (%). The factors negatively threatening the population in the region were agricultural pesticide usage, destruction of habitats and industrial regions.