Development of Reintroduction Techniques and Population Monitoring of Radiated Tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) in Southern Madagascar: Ampotaka: First Result for 3 Month Acclimatation

Abstract

The radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) of Madagascar is critically endangered with extinction. The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) oversees the in-situ captive breeding program for this species and assesses the suitability of reintroduction from captivity as a management strategy is of great importance. 120 adult and juvenile animals from the quarantine center Mangily/Ifaty (30 km north of Toliara) and 24 resident animals from Ampotaka and Tranovaho will be selected in the implementation of the research on the best strategy reintroduction Astrochelys radiata in southern Madagascar, by a soft release of six months and one year (where animals are acclimated to the release site for a pre-determined period) and hard-release. Finally, 90 individuals were destined for a soft release (45 for six months and 45 for one year), 30 individuals for hard release and 24 animals resident population as controls. On 21 January 2014, the first group of 45 animals was transferred to Ampotaka for 1 year of acclimatization. The other 45 will be transferred to the 2nd pen and the latest wave of 30 individuals will be transferred in January 2015. All animals will be radio-tagged and monitored from January 2015 to May 2015. Actually, short-term success will be assessed by investigating survival and pre-release response in body mass, movement and microhabitat use. All 45 reintroduce tortoise survived the duration of this study, remained in pen of pre-release/release and used habitat and resources in a similar way to wild tortoises. S. T. Randrianjafizanaka et al.OALibJ |