Nonchalant neighbors: Space use and overlap of the critically endangered Elongated Tortoise

To prevent population extirpations, we need to understand a species’ requirements, especially for critically endangered species inhabiting biodiversity hotspots. Studying animal movement provides necessary insights and gauges protected area effectiveness. Southeast Asian areas are becoming isolated, stressing the maintaining viability. We used radio-telemetry with Elongated Tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) assess: movements, space use, conspecific overlap in small area—Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, Thailand. Movements were weakly seasonal, higher hot wet seasons than dry season, annual use varied (4.24–55.57 ha), conspecifics frequently overlapping. Conspecific comparisons revealed males (n = 5) moved similarly females 12) but larger areas. Despite more instances of attraction over avoidance (20:8), avoidance/attraction behavior appeared disconnected from individual size; therefore, interaction patterns may result resources locations (mates or food) rather competition (i.e., no evidence smaller individuals avoiding individuals). Female–female suggests resource exclusion tactics at our temporal resolution. Male–female indicate seasonal reproductive could not detect significant interactive effects linking step length breeding activity. Our observations present critical components when designing robust assessments underlining any successful I. elongata conservation effort. In context previous work connecting viability, results suggest biosphere be reproductive, enough viable, emphasizing importance relatively natural