Dynamics of a Central Anatolian population of Emys orbicularis (LINNAEUS, 1758) (Testudines: Emydidae)

Using mark-recapture techniques, this study conducted from 2010 to 2012 aims to estimate size, density, survival rate, and capture probability in the Yagmapinar (Karapin ar, Konya, Turkey) population of Emys orbicularis (LINNAEUS, 1758). In addition, sex ratio and some morphometrical characters of the individuals, as well as ecological features of the habitat were determined. During the project, 226 turtles were marked, and 58 of these were recaptured 75 times in total. Of the marked turtles, 98 (43.36 %) were males, 109 (48.23 %) females, and 19 (8.41 %) juveniles. The sex ratio of the population was balanced (male : female = 1: 1.11). The population size was estimated as 726 +/- 127 (477 - 976), and the population density was calculated as 242 +/- 42 (158-325) individuals/ha, accordingly. Total biomass was calculated as 82 +/- 14 (54 - 111) kg/ha. According to the Jolly-Seber formula, the survival rate was estimated to be 0.94 +/- 0.02 (0.89 - 0.96) in adults and 0.79 +/- 0.06 (0.64 - 0.89) in juveniles. The capture probabilities did not show differences between the groups and were estimated as 0.17 (0.09-0.28) on average. The mean carapace length was 115.7 +/- 7.2 mm in males, 135.1 +/- 8.5 mm in females, and 91.6 +/- 7.2 mm in juveniles. Sexual dimorphism was identified in terms of body size. Females were significantly larger than males (t-test, t = 17.726, df = 204, P < 0.001). The Yagmapinar population is threatened mainly by habitat loss due to climate and immediate anthropogenic detrimental effects.