Geometric Tortoise

We are working to acquire land that either expands our preserve or secures disparate relics of the Geometric Tortoise's historic distribution. Our goal is to create a sustainable landscape ensuring the tortoise’'s survival.

Our preserve team works tirelessly to eradicate Port Jackson acacia and the growing list of invasive plants disrupting this long-isolated ecosystem, enabling native vegetation to recover and provide essential food and shelter for the tortoises. Without labor-intensive biannual clearing, this species would quickly reestablish and displace the endemic plants needed for the tortoises’ survival.

Fencing is a vital tool for protecting dwindling tortoise populations from external threats. Spanning more than 12 miles, the SACT Preserve fencing is critical to safeguarding the last remaining stronghold for the Geometric Tortoise. It reduces road mortality, excludes predators such as domestic dogs and subsidized species that disturb nests or prey on tortoises, and limits unauthorized access to critical habitats.

Fire plays a crucial role in maintaining the fynbos ecosystem, since many plant species depend on fire for regeneration and development. However, uncontrolled wildfires can devastate tortoise populations and destroy the remaining habitat.

The Turtle Conservancy is engineering firebreaks to limit destructive fires, collaborating on controlled burns to regenerate fynbos safely, educating communities about fire’s role in the ecosystem, and strategically using fencing that also serves as firebreaks.

By monitoring the health of the last significant Geometric Tortoise population, the TC and its partners are protecting the survival of the species. In partnership with CapeNature and the Endangered Wildlife Trust, we conduct annual population surveys using humans and specialized detection dogs to locate tortoises across the preserve.

Our partners at the Mapula Foundation have successfully bred Geometric Tortoises in a semi-captive environment, paving the way for innovative headstarting efforts. Building on this success, we are developing our own headstarting program to ensure the species' long-term survival and to bolster the resilience of wild populations.

We engage with local communities to raise awareness about the Geometric Tortoise and the importance of conserving its unique fynbos habitat. Educational programs and outreach efforts aim to inspire stewardship and support for biodiversity protection.