Abstract |
Southern Africa harbors one-third of the world’s Testudinid species, many of which inhabit arid or semi-arid areas. Namibia has the second highest tortoise diversity after South Africa with six species and five of the recognized genera of modern Testudinidae in the world. Detailed ecological information on the Namibian species is generally lacking. This study analyzed the home ranges and thermal activities of two sympatric tortoise species, the Leopard tortoise, Stigmochlelys pardalis (previously known as Geochelone pardalis) and the poorly studied Kalahari tent tortoise, Psammobates oculifer. The study was conducted at the Hohewarte Farm, situated in the thorn-bush savanna southwest of Windhoek, Namibia. All encountered tortoises from both species were equipped with radio transmitters and temperature loggers (iButtons) which allowed for continuous monitoring of individuals throughout the study period. |
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