Studbook for Karoo dwarf tortoises (Chersobius boulengeri)

Aim
Generating information about reproduction, growth and longevity. The wild conservation status of the species is Endangered, so another aim is to develop the captive population to serve as source for introductions in the wild if the need would arise in the future.

Methods
Tortoises owned by Dwarf Tortoise Conservation are loaned to private and zoo participants in the studbook. Participants make recordings of reproduction, growth and longevity. The population is registered in studbook software, and its genetics meticulously managed to ensure preservation of maximum genetic diversity. Population management follows a studbook management plan. Studbook coordinators decide, based on the studbook management plan, which tortoises will be housed where, and which tortoises may be bred.
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Studbook for speckled dwarf tortoises (Chersobius signatus)

Aim
Generating information about reproduction, growth and longevity. The wild conservation status of the species is Endangered, so another aim is to develop the captive population to serve as source for introductions in the wild if the need would arise in the future.

Methods
Tortoises owned by Dwarf Tortoise Conservation are loaned to private and zoo participants in the studbook. Participants make, and publish, recordings of reproduction, growth and longevity. The population is registered in studbook software, and its genetics meticulously managed to ensure preservation of maximum genetic diversity. Population management follows a studbook management plan. Studbook coordinators decide, based on the studbook management plan, which tortoises will be housed where, and which tortoises may be bred.

Results

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Studbook for parrot-beaked dwarf tortoises (Homopus areolatus)

 Aim
Generating information about reproduction, growth and longevity. In addition, developing the captive population to avoid genetic disorders (i.e., maximising genetic diversity and limiting inbreeding). The wild conservation status of the species is Least Concern, so it is highly unlikely that the studbook will need to serve as source for introductions in the wild.

Methods
Some tortoises are owned by Dwarf Tortoise Conservation and are loaned to private participants in the studbook, but the majority of tortoises is privately-owned. Participants make, and publish, recordings of reproduction, growth and longevity. The population is registered in studbook software. Population management is recommended in a studbook management plan, but participants decide which tortoises will be housed where, and which tortoises will be bred.

Results

  • Husbandry guidelines

  • Schleicher, A. 2005. Homopus areolatus, the parrot-beaked tortoise: natural history, captive care, and breeding. Reptilia 43: 26-30.
  • Reck, M. and Reck-Ringgenberg, S. 2013. Erfahrungen bei der Haltung und Fortpflanzung der Areolen-Flachschildkröte (Homopus areolatus) unter unterschiedlichen Bedingungen in Namibia und in der Schweiz. Marginata 36: 41-48.
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Studbook for greater dwarf tortoises (Homopus femoralis)

Aim
 Generating information about reproduction, growth and longevity. The wild conservation status of the species is Least Concern, so it is highly unlikely that the studbook will need to serve as source for introductions in the wild.

Methods
Tortoises owned by Dwarf Tortoise Conservation are loaned to private and zoo participants in the studbook. Participants make, and publish, recordings of reproduction, growth and longevity. The population is registered in studbook software. Studbook coordinators decide which tortoises will be housed where, and which tortoises may be bred.

Results

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