Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Thomas, B. R. (2006). Trachemys scripta – slider or yellow-bellied slider. In P. A. Meylan (Ed.), Biology and Conservation of Florida Turtles Vol. 3, (pp. 296–312).
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (06 Jul 2014 16:17:25 UTC) |
| Resource type: Book Article BibTeX citation key: anon2006.16547 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Emydidae, Habitat - habitat, Malaclemys terrapin, Nordamerika - North America, Schildkröten - turtles + tortoises Creators: Meylan, Thomas Collection: Biology and Conservation of Florida Turtles |
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| Abstract |
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The slider, Trachemys scripta, is a relatively common turtle species both within Florida and throughout its distribution. Sliders are not listed as rare or endangered by any state or federal agency. Partly due to its abundance, and partly due to its availability from scientific suppliers, this species has been the subject of relatively extensive study by researchers, and there is much known about its biology. The yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta scripta) is native to the panhandle and the northern one-quarter of peninsular Florida. Non-native red-eared sliders (T. s. elegans) have been introduced to Florida largely as a result of their popularity in the pet trade. However, the negative impacts on native species have not been studied within the state. Adult females are (on average) larger than adult males, and the males usually have longer tails and foreclaws. Sliders inhabit a diverse array of habitats, but are most abundant in soft-bottomed habitats with minimal flow and abundant sunlight. Courtship may involve so-called “titillation” behaviors and/or biting and chasing behaviors with the peak of courtship activities probably occurring during autumn. Females usually nest in relatively open areas anytime between March and July, with reports of average clutch size ranging from 5–20 eggs. The species is largely omnivorous but the adults typically consume more plant material than the relatively carnivorous juveniles. Some of the potential threats to this species include the pet trade, habitat alteration/destruction, and road-associated mortality. The potential threats posed by exotic T. s. elegans (e.g., competition, genetic pollution) to native T. s. scripta are discussed.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |