Florida Gopher tortoises

[wellington]

For translocated Florida tortoises, survival is troublingly low - The Wildlife Society

Turtles moved from faraway sites actually survive better than those moved short distances

wildlife.org

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

This is really interesting.Common sense would say that the shorter the distance, the higher the survival rate.

 

[wellington]

This is really interesting.Common sense would say that the shorter the distance, the higher the survival rate.

What I thought to.
Also, are they trying to cram to many in the same location.

 

[Tom]

Very interesting data and observations. As usual, these answers generate many more questions.

In fish and wildlife studies done out here with mammals, birds and reptiles, survival rates of translocated animals are far lower than 93-95%. Within a certain distance, most animals will try to return more, or die trying. That distance, as was told to me by one of the field biologists doing the work was: 300 miles for black bears, 25 miles for coyotes, and 3 miles for rattlesnakes. If they had also studied tortoises, he did not mention it.

I wonder if this instinctive "return to home" drive is a factor in these relocated tortoises? Maybe within 100 miles is too close? Maybe once they get farther than that, it shuts down the "return to home" drive?

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I have read @Yvonne G talk about some form of return home distinct in tortoises explaining why they might be stressed in a new enclosure. I can't find the thread though.