Growth and body condition of thrace region (Turkiye) populations of vulnerable tortoise Testudo graeca Linneaus, 1758

Abstract

Morphometric measurements, ratios and body condition indices of Testudo graeca populations distributed in Thrace Region (Çanakkale, Tekirdağ, Kırklareli, Edirne) were examined in order to compare morphological differences in both intra-population and inter-population. Morphological measurements were taken from a total of 133 adult tortoises (66 ♂♂, 67 ♀♀). Statistically significant differences were found when all morphometric measurements of male and female individuals within the populations were compared, and it was found that females were larger. In addition, statistically significant differences were found between male and female individuals when four populations compared between populations, and it was found that largest individuals were in Kırklareli population, and smallest individuals were in Edirne population. When all populations were examined, it was determined that all populations showed female-biased sexual dimorphism. With this study, Body Condition Index data of Testudo graeca populations were revealed for the first time.