Geometric tortoise  (Psammobates geometricus)

The destruction of more than 90 percent of the renosterveld habitat in which the geometric tortoise resides has resulted in the depletion of tortoise numbers, and the range of this species continues to be reduced (2) (8) (11). This habitat loss has been the result of indiscriminate urban and agricultural development and unfortunately the geometric tortoise has proved to be intolerant of habitat modification (4) (12). The fynbos biome and renosterveld vegetation is adapted to fire, but too frequent unplanned and uncontrolled fires can result in local extinction of the geometric tortoise (4) (8). In addition, the spread of invasive alien vegetation in the region competes with, and excludes, important food items (8). The geometric tortoise is occasionally eaten by farm workers, and in the past it has been much sought after for the pet trade. However the impact of these activities is negligible compared to the major threat of habitat degradation and destruction (4).

The geometric tortoise is protected by Western Cape Provincial legislation, which is rigidly and effectively enforced (4), and it is listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning that trade in this species is only permitted in exceptional circumstances (3). In addition, around 75 percent of the total population exists in formal protected areas (4), such as the Elandsberg Private Nature Reserve and a number of smaller provincial reserves (8). However, the majority of remaining geometric tortoise habitat is in the hands of private landowners and efforts are being made to secure the future of some of these sites through a conservation stewardship programme (13). Captive breeding of the geometric tortoise has had limited success and is currently not considered a priority, thus the primary focus of conservation efforts is to ensure its continued survival in the wild (4). The continued enforcement of conservation legislation and vigilance towards the unscrupulous collection of animals for the pet trade is called for (2), while the maintenance of protected areas is essential. In addition, it is imperative that private landowners take custodianship of the last remaining renosterveld remnants that contain geometric tortoise populations, in partnership with conservation agencies, since it is practically not possible to buy enough land to protect formally (2). Without such measures, the renosterveld habitat and its endangered inhabitants may disappear completely.