Literaturdatenbank
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Kuchling, G. , An ecophysiological approach to design and management of river turtle captive breeding and head starting facilities in tropical countries. Paper presented at Turtle Survival Alliance 2006 Annual Meeting.
Added by: Admin (13 Dec 2008 16:50:14 UTC) |
| Resource type: Proceedings Article BibTeX citation key: Kuchling2006a View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Batagur, Batagur baska, Batagur trivittata, Chitra, Chitra chitra, Erymnochelys, Erymnochelys madagascariensis, Geoemydidae, Habitat = habitat, Haltung = husbandry, Podocnemididae, Podocnemis, Podocnemis expansa, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Trionychidae, Verhalten = ethology, Zeitigung = incubation Creators: Kuchling Collection: Turtle Survival Alliance 2006 Annual Meeting |
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| Abstract |
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Some ecological parameters set the large river turtles and, presumably, their physiological requirements apart from most other freshwater turtles: water in flowing rivers (as opposed to stagnant water in lakes, ponds and swamps) is generally characterised by good oxygenation, low nutrient load, moderate temperatures with low daily fluctuations, and in big rivers often considerable water depths. In regard to nesting sites, many large bodied tropical river turtles appear to nest on sand banks fully exposed to the sun. Species with temperature dependent sex determination appear to have high pivotal temperatures. Thus, captive breeding set ups and management that may work well for the majority of freshwater turtles may not be adequate for large river turtles. Existing and planned breeding and/or head starting facilities for Batagur baska, Chitra chitra, Erymnochelys madagascariensis, Kachuga trivittata (all part of the world’s top 25 most endangered turtles), and Podocnemis expansa are compared and discussed. Tanks and ponds for breeding and rearing are often relatively shallow and in shade under roofed areas or inside buildings. Although this strategy keeps water from overheating, it dramatically reduces UV radiation and opportunities for turtles to thermoregulate, leading often to poor health. A better strategy is to offer deep water in full sun and good opportunities for thermoregulation. Stagnation and eutrophication should be avoided through adequate supply of fresh water. Since incubation temperature influences hatchling sex in all large tropical river turtles investigated so far, sensible management of nesting areas and egg incubation is of paramount conservation importance.
Added by: Admin |