Distribution, status and biology of the tortoise,Geochelone chilensis,in Río Negro Province, Argentina
- 1 December 1993
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Studies on Neotropical Fauna and Environment
- Vol. 28 (4) , 233-249
- https://doi.org/10.1080/01650529309360907
Abstract
Morphometric and meristic data from 32 specimens from Río Negro Province do not allow differentiation between G. donosobarrosi and G. chilensis. The significance of morphological and genetic differentiation among Argentinian tortoises is yet to be determined; southern Chaco tortoises undergo ontogenetic and sexual dichromatism. Geochelone chilensis has an extensive latitudinal range (Map 1). Field investigations indicate that Chaco tortoises occupy, and apparently excavate, burrows in the southern portion of the range, prior reports of the species’ southern limit are evaluated and the link between tortoise distribution and “monte”; vegetation is discussed. The season of reproduction and clutch size are noted. Extensive internal pet traffic has markedly affected tortoise populations in some areas; near the southern limit of the range, however, there is little commercial collecting.Keywords
This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:
- Biochemical relationships of the Galápagos Giant tortoises (Geochelone elephantopus)*Journal of Zoology, 1981