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Published on: February 11, 2020
Egyptian tortoise conservation: A community-based, field research program developed from a study on a captive
Omar Attum1, Mindy Baha El Din, Sherif Baha El Din
1Department of Biology, University of Louisville, Kentucky.
Zoo Biology
|April 11, 2009
Summary
Community involvement in conservation efforts helped the endangered Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) recovery. This approach, using local knowledge and creating sustainable income, led to the rediscovery of wild populations.
Area of Science:
- Conservation Biology
- Wildlife Management
- Community-Based Conservation
Background:
- The Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) is endangered.
- Local community participation and ex situ conservation can aid species recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To initiate an in situ community-based conservation and research program for the Egyptian tortoise using a captive population.
- To develop a template for zoos and conservation organizations for in situ conservation.
Main Methods:
- Trained a local community member as a research technician using indigenous knowledge for data collection.
- Developed a symbol- and number-based data sheet to overcome illiteracy.
- Implemented a craft program to provide sustainable income for the local community.
Main Results:
- Successfully collected activity and dietary data on 28 captive tortoises.
- Facilitated the rediscovery of wild Egyptian tortoises in North Sinai, a population previously thought extinct in Egypt.
- Developed a multidimensional approach including community participation, craft programs, and trust-building.
Conclusions:
- Community-based conservation programs, integrating local knowledge and economic incentives, are effective for endangered species recovery.
- The developed template can be replicated by conservation organizations with limited resources for in situ conservation initiatives.
- This approach fostered local support and led to significant conservation outcomes for the Egyptian tortoise.
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