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
Florida Gopher tortoises
- Thread starter wellington
- Start date
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The_Four_Toed_Edward
Well-Known Member
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.
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?
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
Well-Known Member
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.
Did anyone catch the reporter calling them Turtles? Over and Over. @Tom the 3 mile rattlesnake distance intrigued me. I have always been told 1 mile, over a mile away and the survival rate plummets. I'm in no way saying you are wrong, just saying that one Spurred my interest. As for the Turtles, or Tortoises I should say, we spoke with a DT biologist and she said their relocation efforts were terrible as well regarding survival. Blows me away that with this Knowledge they still relocate in a manner they know is just about a death sentence. Very Sad!
The three mile thing for rattle snakes was not reflective or indicative of survival rates. It was just their general "return-to-home" distance according to their studies. He didn't mention anything to me about survival rates. He was only talking about their instinct to get home, or die trying.
O ... my mistake. Never the less more great info in my brains info bag.
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