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first successful geographical assignment of rehabilitated leopard tortoises Stigmochelys pardalis using a conservation genetic database

Verfasst von

Adrian J. Armstrong, Anna S. Kropff, Antoinette Kotze, Wade Whitehead, Elishia Goosen, Flora Ihlow, Ara Monadjem, Sara Padidar, Melita Vamberger

Abstract

Illegal trade in leopard tortoises Stigmochelys pardalis is widespread, yet the origins of confiscated S. pardalis are often unknown. Accurate assignment to source populations is essential for informed conservation management and release. We expanded and tested a genetic reference database for assigning S. pardalis to their original wild populations in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, and Eswatini. We added 50 newly genotyped wild S. pardalis sampled across these regions to the database and then evaluated the updated database by sampling and assessing 50 S. pardalis of unknown geographic origin held at a rehabilitation centre in KwaZulu-Natal. Genetic assignment indicated that only a single S. pardalis at the rehabilitation-centre may have originated from KwaZulu-Natal, highlighting the extent of illegal trade, translocation, and possession of S. pardalis. Individuals of verified regional origin were subsequently rehabilitated and translocated for soft release at appropriate sites.

Details

Organisationseinheit(en): Institut für Umweltplanung
Externe Organisation(en): Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
University of KwaZulu-Natal
South African National Biodiversity Institute
University of the Free State (UFS)
FreeMe Wildlife
University of Swaziland
University of Pretoria
Museum für Tierkunde
Typ: Artikel
Journal: Conservation genetics
Band: 27
ISSN: 1566-0621
Publikationsdatum: 21.03.2026
Publikationsstatus: Veröffentlicht
Peer-reviewed: Ja
ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete: Ökologie, Evolution, Verhaltenswissenschaften und Systematik, Genetik
Elektronische Version(en): https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-026-01773-y (Zugang: Offen )