Non-commercial collection of spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca graeca): a cultural problem in southeast Spain

摘要: Collecting tortoises for the pet trade is one of factors threatening species Testudo in Mediterranean area. The collection graeca pets described southeast Spain, where main European population this subspecies coincides with an area keeping captivity a long-established custom. This present paper, based on inquiries made to children, reveals that practice continues be common activity, and estimates captive order tens thousand tortoises. Tortoises are collected as result chance encounters wild animals by local inhabitants, without any commercial objectives. breeding release institutional control also common. These activities could important threat species. Implications conservation discussed critical review strategies developed relation (trade re-introduction programmes) presented. We suggest environmental education programmes necessary reduce casual change social perception pets.