Faunistic survey of turtles in Alborz province

Turtles and tortoises are reptile species from the order Testudines. Turtles are known as key species within the habitat that occupy. Their presence is needed for biodiversity to survive and remain sustainable. We conducted faunistic survey on turtle and tortoise species of Alborz province to achieve sufficient information on the species of the order Testudines in this area for further protection decision makings. In this study 12 different stations were selected from Alborz Province and the study was carried out between March to August 1395. Totally 33 spicimens of turtles and tortoises were collected. After a comprehensive biometry including measuring weight, biological studies and identifying the gender, they were classified by the use of valid identification keys. The 33 specimens were collected out of which 32 specimens were identified as Testudo graeca and one specimen as Emys orbicularis. The number of specimens did not significantly differ among stations and the distribution of the species seemed to be the same in different parts of Alborz Province.