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The captive husbandry and reproduction of the pink‐eared turtle ( Emydura victoriae ) at Perth Zoo
Author(s) -
Gaikhorst G.S.,
Clarke B.R.,
McPharlin M.,
Larkin B.,
McLaughlin J.,
Mayes J.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.20317
Subject(s) - biology , hatchling , carapace , captivity , sexual maturity , turtle (robot) , hatching , animal husbandry , avian clutch size , reproduction , zoology , sexual dimorphism , reproductive biology , captive breeding , ecology , fishery , crustacean , habitat , endangered species , embryo , embryogenesis , agriculture
In 1997, Perth Zoo acquired six pink‐eared turtles ( Emydura victoriae ) from the wild for display in the reptile facility. There is very little documented information on pink‐eared turtles in captivity. This article looks at the reproductive biology, ecology, behavior, diet, and captive husbandry of the species. Eight clutches of eggs were documented over a 2‐year period with an average clutch size of 10 eggs. Egg size was recorded with three clutches incubated to hatching. Ten hatchlings were maintained for a growth and development study. Measurements of weight, carapace length, width, height, and plastron length were recorded weekly for about 12 months, and then monthly for approximately 2 years. The data were analyzed and showed positive growth curves in all animals. Sexual dimorphism was observed after 20 weeks and sexual maturity in males observed after 2 years. Zoo Biol 30:79–94, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.