- Since the beginning of the project in 2015, a total of 256 specimens of this endangered species have been released within the custody estates in Mainland Spain.
- The censuses taken in recent years with the help of dogs, show that the survival rate of animals is between 50 and 60%, a success in a reintroduction project of these characteristics.
- This project is part of Endesa's Biodiversity Conservation Plan, which develops about 29 projects annually throughout Spain for the protection and conservation of biodiversity on threatened species, spaces and habitats, increasing scientific knowledge and enhancing biodiversity.
Since 2015, Trenca with the support of Endesa has helped to release a total of 256 specimens of Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni hermanni) on the estate looked after by the conservation association Trenca in the greater valley of Bovera (Lleida). The 33 turtles released this morning came from the Amphibian and Reptile Recovery Centre of Catalonia (CRARC) and will contribute to the reintroduction project of this threatened species, which seeks to create a colony of Mediterranean turtles in semi-freedom and thus help with the recovery of this species.
The Hermann's tortoise is an endangered animal in the Iberian Peninsula, of which it is estimated that there are 8,500 specimens in Catalonia, the only territory that has natural populations of this species. This is why the project was developed, together with other similar programmes, with the objective of creating a refuge for the Mediterranean tortoise to increase the interconnection between the rare wild populations that exist of this animal in different areas of Catalonia so as to contribute to its reproduction. Because of their docile, friendly character, they are in fact currently only found in the wild in Catalonia, Mallorca and the Valencian Community. That is why projects like this are of vital importance to change this critical situation for the species.
The figures from the latest censuses taken in the municipality of Bovera are very positive since they point to a survival rate of animals of between 50 and 60%, which constitutes a success in a reintroduction project of these characteristics. To take the censuses, dogs from the Canine Team for the Conservation of Trenca (ECCO – Trenca in Spanish) are used as biological detectors. These dogs are specially trained to detect turtles by their smell and enable the censuses to be more effective than traditional ones only using human researchers.
In the first phase of this project, an estate in Trenca was adapted to create the ideal habitat for turtles and, for this, two waterproofed bases were built with clay measuring 400 and 100 m2 respectively. The necessary fencing was also erected to protect the freed turtles from potential predators, such as wild boars and foxes. In fact, when the enclosure was ready, there was an initial release of 52 specimens in June 2016, and a second with 30 individuals in September 2017.
The technicians in charge of the project conduct regular follow-ups and identify the specimens by means of three methods: Firstly, all released turtles wear a subcutaneous chip to enable them to be identified. Secondly, a mark is made on the shell with a numerical code that identifies them individually. And lastly, shell plates have a unique pattern so they can therefore be accurately tracked. The size of the estates and the lifestyle of the turtles make it difficult to find individuals during monitoring, so this is how they are able to register and monitor them, as well as to make a physical inspection of their condition (weight, size, condition, etc.).
This project is part of Endesa's Biodiversity Conservation Plan and is an environmental and social action focussed on promoting sustainable rural development, environmental education and the protection of the Hermann's tortoise. The company undertakes about 29 projects annually for the protection and conservation of biodiversity and the protection of threatened species, areas and habitats, thus increasing scientific knowledge highlighting the importance of biodiversity.
Hermann's tortoise
The Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni hermanni) is a herbivorous, diurnal reptile that can live in the wild for between 30 and 40 years. Males are smaller than females and have a longer, stockier and thicker tail, totally different from females, which are smaller and shorter. The shell has black and yellow spots on the upper part and two black stripes on the bottom, characteristic of the species. They can lay up to three eggs (August to September), one to three times per season. They hibernate from late October to mid-March. With regard to their senses, they have highly developed vision and orientation, and are able to return to their territory even if they are moved away hundreds of meters.
About Trenca
Trenca is a national non-profit organisation based in Lleida. It was founded in 1998 for the purpose of channelling the efforts of people with a common interest in preserving and improving natural heritage. Trenca's work focusses on fighting against the extinction of native fauna, by creating a countryside and nature full of life, and promoting a more respectful relationship between humans and nature through environmental education and land stewardship.
About Endesa
Endesa is the largest electricity company in Spain and the second largest in Portugal. The company is also the second largest gas operator in the Spanish market. Endesa operates an end-to-end generation, distribution and marketing business. Through Endesa X it also offers value-added services aimed at the electrification of energy usage in homes, companies, industries and Public Administrations. Endesa is firmly committed to the United Nations SDGs and strongly supports the development of renewable energies through Enel Green Power España, the digitalisation of grids through e-distribución, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The Endesa Foundation is also active in CSR-related matters. Our workforce numbers around 9,260 employees. Endesa is a division of Enel, the largest electricity group in Europe.