Conservation genetics of the radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) population from Andohahela National Park, southeast Madagascar, with a discussion on the conservation of this declining species

Published source details Rioux Paquette S., Ferguson B.H., Lapointe F.J. & Louis E.E. (2009) Conservation genetics of the radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) population from Andohahela National Park, southeast Madagascar, with a discussion on the conservation of this declining species. Chelonian Conservation and Biology, 8, 84-93.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Protect habitat: All reptiles (excluding sea turtles) Action Link

Protect habitat: All reptiles (excluding sea turtles)

A site comparison study in 2007 in dry tropical forest in southeast Madagascar (Rioux et al. 2009) found that within a protected area, a population of radiated tortoises Astrochelys radiata had similar levels of genetic diversity as populations outside the protected area, but a size class distribution more similar to that of an exploited than unexploited population. Genetic diversity of the population within the protected area was similar to populations outside the protected area in 17 of 20 comparisons across four measures (data reported as diversity indices). The number of individuals of different size classes was similar in the protected area and exploited populations (>50% of population 0–4 kg in both), but different in the protected area compared to unexploited populations (>50% of population 4–8 kg or more in unexploited populations). In 2007, the protected area was searched by 5–7 people for a total of 10 days, and tortoises weighed, and a blood sample was taken. Genetic and size class data were compared with data from 12 other previously sampled populations, some that were exploited and some that were unexploited (numbers not provided).

(Summarised by: William Morgan)