Microclimate Observation at Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri) Habitat in the “Iron Gates” Natural Park. Case Study: Lower Eșelniţa Watershed (Banat, Romania)

“Iron Gates” Natural Park is located in the South-Western part of Romania and is recognized for its great diversity of ecosystems, wide variety of species and emblematic landscapes. Due to its Mediterranean climatic influences and vegetation structure, the area is a suitable habitat for the existence and development of Testudo hermanni boettgeri.

Monitoring both, the evolution of the microclimatic features in the lower Eșelnița watershed and the species behaviour, represents a useful step in order to determine if the global climate change endangers the conservation management of the tortoise.