Demographic structure and genetic variability of a population of Testudo hermanni hermanni (Reptilia: Testudines: Testudinidae) from Southern Tuscany (Central Italy): a case of “happy-ending” uncontrolled reintroduction

Testudo hermanni hermanni is becoming seriously endangered throughout its range. It has a scattered distribution, with a small number of residual populations found in Spain, France and Italy. In this study we sampled a population of T. h. hermanni from Southern Tuscany (Massa Marittima, Grosseto), composed of native and introduced individuals (recognizable due to residual signs of previous marking on the carapace). Overall, 95% of the captured individuals were adults and the sex ratio was slightly, but not significantly, biased in favour of females. Population density was relatively high in comparison with other Italian populations, although it was doubled by previous reinforcement. Genetic analysis performed on six polymorphic microsatellite loci revealed a high level of genetic variability and heterozygosity, with no evidence of current inbreeding processes. Moreover, introduced individuals presented genotypes similar to those of the native individuals, thus suggesting that the reinforcement intervention did not cause a significant change in the original genetic pool. Nevertheless, long-term monitoring of the population is necessary to ensure its stability and vitality. Furthermore, to preserve the genetic identity of the local population in the future, uncontrolled translocation events should be avoided.