Habitat Use by the Rock-Dwelling Karoo Dwarf Tortoise, Chersobius boulengeri

The global population status of many reptiles, particularly tortoises as one the most threatened tetrapod groups, necessitates conservation efforts and study. Baseline information about habitat use can help formulate strategies improve effectiveness surveys. I studied by Karoo Dwarf Tortoises (Chersobius boulengeri), an endangered South African endemic with only known to contain males, females, juveniles, aid conservationists in assessing which nature reserves (with incidental records) potential new may sustain populations, inform surveys for additional populations. Available microhabitats rock types were mapped using unmanned aerial vehicle. analyzed tortoise distribution determined home range sizes (minimum convex polygons) minimum daily movement distances nine males 16 females radio transmitters. All fieldwork was conducted spring 2018 2019, summer 2018, 2020. Relatively high numbers inhabited sills (i.e., exposed dolerite intrusions between sandstone) that contained ample retreats among boulders rocks, whereas relatively few lived on level plateaus might expose them predatory birds. Despite their apparent preference sills, able survive ranges little sill microhabitat. rather sedentary, having small sexually seasonally similar (1.10–1.14 ha) (27.6–28.4 m/day), although larger than those related Speckled Tortoise signatus), possibly a result different productivities. Conservationists surveyors should consider appear important Tortoises, but generic rocky slopes also harbor individuals. Future studies could address aspects underlie microhabitat use, such availability vegetation, integrate available spatial model.