Primi risultati di un progetto di restocking di Testuggine

Abstract

First results of a restocking project for Testudo hermanni in a protected area in northwestern Sicily. A restocking project was carried out in the Zingaro Natural Reserve in order to counteract the Sicilian population decrease of Testudo hermanni. 50 tortoises coming from regional wildlife rescue centers were released after an acclimatization period in a controlled fence. 11 tortoises have been provided with radio-transmitters to follow the dispersal process and to monitoring the project progress. The obtained results have permitted to assess the useful area for the dispersion during the first year from the release and have showed the successful integration of the rescued tortoises with the resident population