Temperature, activity and field sighting in the mediterranean spur-thighed or common garden tortoise Testudo graeca L

摘要: Abstract Daylight observations on NW African and W Turkish populations of the Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise Testudo graeca L. showed that activity, depending upon maturity, sex size, is influenced by air temperature sunshine. Tortoises are active above 18°C while refuge from sunshine during middle day occurs 28°C. Morning basking increases body temperature, which under glass in S England was shown to be thermoregulated at about 35°C. With movements out sunshine, most heat dissipated through plastron. Field sighting frequency (no.man-h−1) as a relative index abundance low density activity behaviour type. This discussed with regard detection being increased locomotory rustling mating sounds thick vegetation.