Station D'observation Et De Protection Des Tortues Et De Leurs Milieux (soptom)

What Station D'observation Et De Protection Des Tortues Et De Leurs Milieux (soptom) does

SOPTOM (Station d'Observation et de Protection des Tortues et de Leurs Milieux) is a French non-profit association founded in 1985 by Bernard Devaux, headquartered in Carnoules in the Var department, with a mission to protect reptiles - principally chelonians (tortoises and freshwater turtles) - across France and internationally. The organization operates four Tortoise Villages (Carnoules, Corsica, Noflaye in Senegal, and Ifaty in Madagascar), an authorized Wildlife Care Center for three native French turtle species, and a Conservatory Breeding Center (CRCC) that conducts genetic selection and reproduction protocols for Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni hermanni) and the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). Field methodology relies on Capture-Mark-Recapture, VHF radiotracking, telemetry monitoring, ecotoxicological studies, and thermal imaging; the ARTOC accreditation for handler-dog teams, developed with OFB, CEN PACA, and DREAL, extends its methodological footprint.

SOPTOM's programs fall into four pillars: wildlife rescue and rehabilitation (79 Hermann's tortoises and 6 European pond turtles admitted in 2024), ex-situ conservation breeding and population reinforcement (151 tortoises released since 2022, including the May 2026 experimental release of 30 juveniles in the Plaine des Maures reserve), scientific monitoring and applied research (doctoral work hosted at Aix-Marseille Université/IMBE; partnership with CNRS/CEBC), and public education and mediation (SOS Serpents 83 service handling 139 calls in 2024, the La Tortue quarterly review reaching 35 countries, and the Life+ travelling exhibition). The organization functions as both operator and capacity-builder, training Greek partners (ANIMA, Save Your Hood) following the 2023 wildfires and supporting Madagascar's first turtle rescue center through Association ASE.

Revenue is sourced from individual memberships and €100 Hermann's tortoise sponsorships, tax-deductible donations (66% deduction in France), and a diversified grant portfolio that includes the Mission Nature program (OFB/FDJ), Région Sud, the Ministère de la Transition Écologique, and four private foundations added in late 2024 (Crédit Agricole Pays de France, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, Fonds Maupertuis, Fondation du Patrimoine). The organization operates with a small permanent staff (1-10 employees) supplemented by civic service workers, interns, and a network of scientific, governmental, and NGO partners across Europe, West Africa, and the Indian Ocean.

Name

Station D'observation Et De Protection Des Tortues Et De Leurs Milieux (soptom)

Legal name

Station d'Observation et de Protection des Tortues et de leurs Milieux

Website

https://tortuesoptom.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SOPTOM is a French non-profit association founded in 1985 that protects reptiles, principally tortoises, through authorized wildlife care, conservation breeding, scientific monitoring, and public education across France, Senegal, Madagascar, and Greece.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation (BPAGAGAA)

Keywords

• Wildlife conservation services
• Reptile rehabilitation programs
• Tortoise breeding programs
• Conservation education programs
• Wildlife mediation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Carnoules

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Membership and Donations: Annual membership fees and voluntary donations from supporters, members, and the public. Members receive the Tortue review magazine (1-2 per year) and free admission to the Tortoise Village of Carnoules.
2. Tortoise Sponsorship Programs: Parrainage program where supporters sponsor a Hermann's tortoise at the conservatory breeding center for €100, receiving annual updates about their sponsored tortoise.
3. Government and Institutional Funding: Financial support from government bodies including Ministry of Ecological Transition, OFB (French Biodiversity Office), regional councils, and departmental authorities for conservation projects.
4. Private Foundation Grants: Funding from private foundations including Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale Foundation, Crédit Agricole Pays de France Foundation, Fonds Maupertuis, and Univet Nature for specific conservation programs.
5. Mission Nature Program: Project funding from Office Français de la Biodiversité and FDJ (Française des Jeux) through scratch ticket sales for biodiversity restoration projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SOPTOM is a French non-profit conservation organization that operates an authorized wildlife care center and a Prefectural-authorized conservatory breeding center for endangered chelonians (Hermann's tortoise, European pond turtle, Mediterranean turtle), and runs three Tortoise Village visitor centers in Carnoules (France), Noflaye (Senegal), and Ifaty (Madagascar). It conducts population monitoring, scientific research, post-wildfire emergency rescue, translocation and release programs, public education, and wildlife conflict mediation (SOS Serpents 83), funded through donations, memberships, sponsorships, government grants, and private foundation partnerships.

Product overview

SOPTOM operates as a single-entity non-profit organization providing reptile and turtle conservation services rather than a commercial product portfolio. Its core offerings center on wildlife care (Centre de Soins Faune Sauvage and Centre d'Élevage Conservatoire), public education (Village des Tortues visitor centers in France, Madagascar, and Senegal), scientific monitoring programs, and wildlife mediation (SOS Serpents 83). Supporting offerings include the quarterly La Tortue journal, educational games and exhibitions, and civic service volunteer programs. The organization does not operate a technology platform or software product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Centre de Soins Faune Sauvage (CSFS): Wildlife care center dedicated to treating injured native French turtles (Hermann's tortoise, European pond turtle, and Mediterranean turtle)
• Centre d'Élevage Conservatoire des Chéloniens (CRCC)
• SOS Serpents 83
• La Tortue

Products and services

• Village des Tortues (Carnoules) Public visitor center in Carnoules, Var, France that educates visitors about tortoise biology, ecology, and conservation, offering guided tours, exhibitions, and free admission to association members.
• Centre de Soins Faune Sauvage Wildlife rehabilitation center authorized by Prefectural authorization to treat three native French tortoise species (Testudo hermanni hermanni, Emys orbicularis, Mauremys leprosa) that have been injured or are in distress, with the goal of releasing them back to their natural habitat.
• Centre d'Élevage Conservatoire des Chéloniens (CRCC) Authorized conservation breeding center for Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni hermanni) and European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) that breeds individuals with genetic selection for population reinforcement programs, particularly for populations impacted by wildfires in the Var region.
• SOS Serpents 83 Free information and advisory service for local wild snakes in the Var department that connects residents with specialists to resolve human-wildlife conflict situations, handles identification, and provides guidance that respects biodiversity and the law.
• Programme de Réhabilitation des Populations de Tortue d'Hermann Multi-year rehabilitation program for Hermann's tortoise populations impacted by wildfires in the Var region, involving ex-situ breeding at the CRCC, translocation experiments, post-release radiotracking, and habitat restoration in partnership with OFB, FDJ, Région Sud, Conservatoire du littoral, CEN PACA, and SNPN.
• Village des Tortues du Sénégal International conservation center in Noflaye, Dakar region, Senegal, dedicated to protecting and studying the African spurred tortoise, with a 15-hectare park, breeding programs, education, and releases into the Katané Reserve of the Ferlo Biosphere under a 2026 Convention with Direction des Parcs Nationaux.
• Village des Tortues de Madagascar International tortoise village spanning 35 hectares near Ifaty, Madagascar, that cares for seized and rescued radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) and spider tortoises (Pyxis arachnoides), conducts breeding programs, runs environmental education, and has reintroduced 500 tortoises from the 2018 seizure with documented natural births.
• Revue La Tortue Quarterly journal published by SOPTOM and distributed in 35 countries with an English supplement, featuring reports, interviews, and species profiles focused on global tortoise and reptile conservation.
• Jeu Pédagogique de la Tortue Educational board game designed for children ages 6 and up that teaches about the life cycle and conservation challenges of Hermann's tortoise through positive and negative impact events.
• Exposition Itinérante Life+ Portable, modular exhibition created under the European LIFE+ program featuring 9 retractable banners, ecological dioramas, life-size tortoise replicas, and 13 large-format photographs explaining Hermann's tortoise biology, threats, and conservation actions, available for rent by museums, media libraries, and universities.
• Missions de Service Civique Eight-month civic service missions for individuals aged 18-25 (up to 30 with disability) focused on observing Mediterranean reptiles, promoting biodiversity conservation in Var, collecting scientific data, and conducting public outreach activities, funded through the Agence du Service Civique.

Quantifiable outcome

• 151 tortues relâchées since 2022 with continued monitoring
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Société Nationale de Protection de la Nature (SNPN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026SNPN is the manager of the Réserve Naturelle Nationale de la Plaine des Maures, the main population nucleus of Hermann's tortoise in continental France. SOPTOM collaborated with SNPN for the experimental release of 30 juveniles in May 2026, with SNPN managing the protected natural reserve where releases occur.
• Direction des Parcs Nationaux (DPN) - SenegalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Government authority signed Convention with SOPTOM for new population reinforcement operations in Katané Reserve, Ferlo Biosphere Reserve. SOPTOM's Bernard Devaux and Lamine Diagne met to launch 2027 release program.
• Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey institutional partner since 2020 for rehabilitation programs of Hermann's tortoise populations affected by wildfires in Var. Provides official authorization and co-funding through Mission Nature program alongside FDJ.
• Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (CEN PACA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in habitat restoration for Hermann's tortoise populations, managing sites like Cap Taillat after 2017 fires. Collaborates on ecological restoration including creation of anti-wild boar water points and rocky shelters.
• Conservatoire du littoralcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoastal land manager (propriétaire) of sites like Cap Taillat where SOPTOM conducts population reinforcement. Partners on fire-affected site restoration and land management.
• Parc national de Port-CrosminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational park managing fire-affected areas where 90% of tortoise population was destroyed. Collaborates with SOPTOM on population reinforcement and habitat restoration.
• IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational animal welfare organization deployed emergency response to 2023 Greek wildfires with SOPTOM expertise. SOPTOM provided transfer of skills in scientific knowledge, rescue procedures, rehabilitation and release of tortoises.
• ANIMA (Hellenic Wildlife Care Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreek wildlife rescue organization founded in 2005, saving and treating wild animals. SOPTOM provided training on tortoise rescue and rehabilitation following 2023 wildfires, releasing 148 tortoises together.
• Save Your HoodminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreek organization reconnecting residents with nature through common platforms. Partnered with ANIMA and SOPTOM for wildlife rescue missions after 2021 and 2023 fires, created Wildlife Rescuers Network in 2025.
• SOS Tortues du SénégalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal Senegalese organization collaborating with SOPTOM on sulcata tortoise monitoring and conservation in the Ferlo region.
• Association ASE (Association de Sauvegarde de l'Environnement)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal environmental association partnering with SOPTOM to manage the Tortoise Village near Ifaty, Madagascar. First turtle rescue center created in 2003/2005 for radiated and spider tortoises.
• Université d'AthènesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic institution discussed for potential demographic study collaboration on marginated and Hermann's tortoise populations in Greece.
• CRT (Centro de Reproduccio de Tortugues Alberta) - SpainminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish conservation center created in 1990s in Garriguella, working on Hermann's tortoise and European pond turtle breeding. Exchange visit to SOPTOM in February 2025 to share protocols.
• CRARC (Centro de Recuperacion de Anfibios y Reptiles de Cataluna) - SpainminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCatalan reptile and amphibian recovery center in Masquefa, Spain. Partner in Hermann's tortoise and European pond turtle conservation with annual releases. Joint visit to SOPTOM in February 2025.
• Conservatoire d'espaces naturels CorseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorsican natural spaces conservatory visited in April 2024 as part of PACA-Corse inter-regional partnership for Hermann's tortoise preservation.
• Centre de sauvegarde U Pettirossu - CorsicaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWildlife rescue center in Corsica met in April 2024 for partnership discussions on tortoise conservation.
• CNRS / Centre d'Études Biologiques de ChizécoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench National Center for Scientific Research supporting SOPTOM with scientific expertise. Partner in REACT research project on translocation success factors and tortoise personality studies.
• Aix-Marseille Université / IMBEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity laboratory hosting SOPTOM doctoral research including Clément Guénier's thesis on post-fire population reinforcement effectiveness, Marion Durand's Master 2 on juvenile demographics, and Sofiane Majid's Master 1 on climate niche modeling.
• Société Herpétologique de France (SHF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench herpetological society co-organizing annual congresses where SOPTOM presents research. Partner in ARTOC accreditation development and training on good handling practices for tortoises.
• Tour du ValatminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation foundation collaborating with SOPTOM on training programs for reptile handling and non-invasive procedures.
• France Nature Environnement PACAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional environmental federation partner in Mission Nature project for fire-affected tortoise population rehabilitation.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare): International animal welfare NGO that deployed emergency response alongside SOPTOM during the 2023 Greek wildfires. Functions as a partner/funding counterpart rather than direct competitor, but operates overlapping wildlife-rescue programming.
• IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group: Global specialist network within IUCN that assesses tortoise and freshwater turtle species status (Red List). SOPTOM contributes to its assessment work; comparable as a coordinating scientific body for the same species SOPTOM conserves.

Direct peers

• Centre de Reproducció de Tortugues de l'Albera (CRT): Spanish conservation center in Garriguella focused on Hermann's tortoise and European pond turtle breeding. Already a formal partner of SOPTOM with documented protocol exchanges (Feb 2025), making it the closest functional peer for the Hermann's tortoise work.
• Turtle Survival Alliance: International alliance dedicated to turtle and tortoise conservation through captive breeding, rescue, and field programs. Highly comparable mission and species focus to SOPTOM, including confiscated-tortoise rehabilitation and release work analogous to SOPTOM's Madagascar program.
• ARCHELON (Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece): Greek NGO dedicated to sea turtle conservation, including rescue, rehabilitation, and public education. Directly comparable chelonian-focused NGO with a Mediterranean geographic overlap (Greece) where SOPTOM also operates post-fire releases.
• CRARC - Centre de Recuperació d'Amfibis i Rèptils de Catalunya: Catalan reptile and amphibian recovery center in Masquefa running Hermann's tortoise and European pond turtle releases annually. Direct peer on species, recovery methodology, and regional Mediterranean context.
• Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust: Species-focused conservation NGO running breeding centers for endangered reptiles and other taxa, with strong education and visitor-center programming. Comparable operating model (breeding + education + field releases) and comparable scale as an international wildlife trust.
• Turtle Conservation Foundation: Foundation supporting turtle conservation projects worldwide, including in Madagascar and Southeast Asia. Comparable species and geographic overlap with SOPTOM's radiated tortoise work in Madagascar.

Broad incumbents

• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS): Large international conservation organization with field programs spanning wildlife rescue, habitat protection, and scientific monitoring. Comparable conservation-and-education mission at much greater scale than SOPTOM.
• Fauna & Flora International (FFI): Long-established international conservation NGO with reptile and tortoise programs across multiple continents. Similar nonprofit model and species-recovery mandate, though broader in taxonomic scope than SOPTOM.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@SOPTOM
• Facebookfacebook.com/tortuesoptom
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/station-d-observation-et-de-protection-des-tortues-et-de-leurs-milieux-soptom
• Instagraminstagram.com/tortuesoptom

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Station D'observation Et De Protection Des Tortues Et De Leurs Milieux (soptom)