Distribution of Hermann’s tortoise across Serbia with implications for conservation

Ana Golubović; Ljiljana Tomović; Marko Nikolić; Sonja Nikolić; Marko Anđelković; Dragan Arsovski; Vuk Iković; Slađana Gvozdenović; Miloš Popović

Authors

Ana Golubović Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2155-5040
Ljiljana Tomović Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5864-8382
Marko Nikolić 1. Biological Society “Dr Sava Petrović”, Višegradska 33, 18000 Niš; 2. Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000 Niš http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5733-8182
Sonja Nikolić 1. Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade; 2. Serbian Herpetological Society “Milutin Radovanović”, Despota Stefana Blvd. 142, 11000 Belgrade http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0458-515X
Marko Anđelković Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Despota Stefana Blvd. 142, 11000 Belgrade http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1232-2264
Dragan Arsovski Macedonian Ecological Society, Arhimedova 5, 1000 Skopje http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1798-1864
Vuk Iković Montenegrin Ecologists’ Society, Svetog Petra Cetinjskog 73, 81000 Podgorica http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4181-7231
Slađana Gvozdenović Montenegrin Ecologists’ Society, Svetog Petra Cetinjskog 73, 81000 Podgorica http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8821-5385
Miloš Popović Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000 Niš http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0887-6683

Keywords:

Testudo hermanni boettgeri, ecological niche model, species distribution model, conservation, Serbia

Abstract

Paper description:

The Hermann’s tortoise and its habitats are among conservation priorities in the European Union. Populations of western subspecies are closely monitored and basic information about eastern subspecies is just starting to emerge.
We used precise observation data to model the distribution of Hermann’s tortoise in Serbia and its ecological niche.
Both modeled and observed distributions suggest that most suitable habitats are situated in lowland areas of eastern, central and southern Serbia, under semi-open habitats ranging from pastures and shrubs to broad leaf forests.
Our results provide crucial information which should be considered when shaping NATURA 2000 sites in Serbia.

Abstract: Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is among the conservation priorities in the European Union. Consequently, it is included in Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive, Annex II of the Bern Convention, and Annex II of the CITES Convention. Hermann’s tortoise conservation programs compile insights on the threats affecting population viability, along with factors shaping the species’ distribution. Serbian populations of the eastern subspecies (Testudo hermanni boettgeri) seem numerous and therefore prosperous, but recent population viability analyses revealed that they are susceptible to rapid demographic changes and/or habitat destruction. This implies the need for effective population monitoring and protection, as well as mapping and conservation of suitable habitats. In this paper we summarized current knowledge about the geographic distribution of Hermann’s tortoise in Serbia and modeled its ecological niche. Our results corroborate and uphold the known species’ distribution in Serbia. Most suitable habitats are situated in the lowland areas of eastern, central and southern Serbia, under semi-open habitats, such as pastures and shrubs, broadleaf forests, and all successional stages in between. The results provided in this paper should be considered in the selection and shaping of NATURA 2000 sites in Serbia.

https://doi.org/10.2298/ABS190406034G

Received: April 6, 2019; Revised: May 1, 2019; Accepted: May 7, 2019; Published online: June 5, 2019

How to cite this article: Golubović A, Tomović Lj, Nikolić M, Nikolić S, Anđelković M, Arsovski D, Iković V, Gvozdenović S, Popović M. Distribution of Hermann’s tortoise across Serbia with implications for conservation. Arch Biol Sci. 2019;71(3):509-16.

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Distribution of Hermann’s tortoise across Serbia with implications for conservation

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