This cache is dedicated to Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo Hermanni), or more precisely the subspecies Eastern Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo Hermanni Boettgeri). Testudo Hermanni Boettgeri is endemic to south-eastern Europe, with the south of Romania being its northernmost habitat.
Due to continuous destruction of its habitat, Hermann's Tortoise is considered endangered and listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), also known as the Washington Convention. As a result, the trade of Hermann's Tortoise is strictly regulated and only allowed for certified animals bred in captivity. This essentially stopped the systematic collection of the tortoises for export to central- and northern European countries and removed a serious threat to the existence of the species.
Conservation efforts are made in various countries, including Romania. The cache is located at the Centre for Monitoring of Habitats and Species (Centrul de Monitorizare a Habitatelor si Speciilor), which is dedicated to both conservation and research, and houses a rescue and breeding station for Hermann's Tortoise.
The cache is placed with the authorisation of the centre.
Hermann's Tortoise at the "Centrul de Monitorizare a Habitatelor si Speciilor", marked with an environmental sensor | Hermann's Tortoise hatchling |
Sources:
[1] Wikipedia (English)
[2] Parcul Natural Porțile de Fier (Homepage) (Iron Gates National Park Homepage)
[3] Parcul Natural Porțile de Fier (Testoasa lui Hermann)
[4] Universitatea din Bucuresti, Centrul de Cercetare a Mediului si Efectuare a Studiilor de Impact (CCMESI)
Images:
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