Social research into the phenomenon of the captivity of the Greek or Spur-thighed Tortoise in the Southeast of the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

In this document the social dimension of the captivity in the Southeast of the Iberian Peninsula of the Greek or Spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) is a subject of research. In order to do this, quantitative and qualitative techniques of social research have been used, specifically through questionnaires amongst the local population and new residents who reside there as a result of international tourism, and intensive interviews with the groups of people who hold tortoises in captivity and with those who are involved in the protection and control of the species. Such techniques have allowed us to quantify the current situation and the trends for the catching and keeping this species in captivity, as well as to determine the motivation behind such practices and the various social representations held towards the species, as well as the existing points of view held towards the protection of the species. From these results recommendations are given with regards to the management and social intervention in order to protect the Greek or Spur-thighed tortoise in the Southeast of the Iberian Peninsula and the control of the poplation in captivity of the Greek or Spur-thighed tortoise.