Aspect of population structure of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in Lake Yayla, Western Anatolia, Turkey


Ayaz D., Fritz U., Atatür M. K., Mermer A., Çiçek K., AFSAR M.

Journal of Herpetology, cilt.42, sa.3, ss.518-522, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 42 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2008
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1670/07-096.1
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Herpetology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.518-522
  • Manisa Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Our main objective was to establish the population size, density, body size, and sex ratio of a local Emys orbicularis population. We examined the population structure of E. orbicularis in Lake Yayla, Buldan (Denizli), Turkey, using capture-recapture methods. The population consisted of 54% males, 42% females, and 4% juveniles. The adult sex ratio was significantly skewed in favor of males. Using the Jolly program, the population size was estimated at 1,462 (95% CI = 1,161-1,763), corresponding to a density of 81 turtles per hectare of optimal habitat. Females were larger than males. In carapace length, the Lake Yayla population resembles other small-sized populations inhabiting the southern parts of the species' range. The conservation status of the Turkish populations and their main threats are also discussed. Copyright 2008 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles.