Hermann's tortoise project to hold final conference, Les Mayons - Hoofdinhoud

The project Life+ Tortue d’Hermann (LIFE08 NAT/F/000475) is holding its final conference on 18 and 19 September at the Salle de Fêtes, Quartier St Jean - 83340 Les Mayons, France.

The conference will highlight the results of the project and the possibilities for transferring its methods to other areas where Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is present in Europe. On the evening of the second day, the opening of an exhibition about the tortoise ‘La Tortue d’Hermann, joyau du maquis’, will take place at the Natural History Museum of Toulon and Var.

The LIFE project, ‘Tortue d’Hermann - Towards an integrative management in favour of the terrestrial tortoises in Var - Creating tools for the managers of natural habitats in Europe’, was launched to help maintain, and increase where possible, the fragmented populations of the species in the Var region of France.

The project, which is being led by the region’s environment agency, has been developing management tools for the protection of the species. These tools take into account all the identified threats to the species in an integrated manner. While the Hermann’s tortoise is a popular pet, its populations in the wild are declining, and the reduction of favourable habitats has led to its classification as an endangered species.

The project’s target was to open up more than 500 ha of habitats, validating a method to restore the herbaceous layer. It also aimed to optimise interfaces between closed and open areas (25 areas to be fenced and 600m of hedges created), create 10 water spots and secure agreements with landowners, shepherds and other stakeholders.

To register for the conference, fill in the form on the project website. The registration form contains information about local hotels.

For more information, please contact Jenny-Soon Mazzella (Tel:+33 (0)4 4290 9078 or email: j.mazzella@arpe-paca.org).