Growth and reproduction of Chelonoidis chilensis (Reptilia, Testudinidae) in captivity

ROMITO, MARÍA LAURA; PARACHÚ MARCÓ, MARÍA VIRGINIA; IMHOF, ALBA

Scientia Interfluvius

Universidad Autonoma de Entre Rios

Año: 2015 vol. 6 p. 64 - 73

Chelonoidis chilensis is an Argentinian endemic turtle. It isconsidered by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) a vulnerablespecies because is the most trade native reptile in the illegal pet market. Atpresent, little is known about the reproductive biology of this chelonian, sothe aim of this paper is to contribute to knowledge on reproduction and growth incaptivity of C. chilensis. We used adult turtles of bothsexes, separated into two reproductive enclosures and recorded their growthmonthly during 12 months. The collected eggs were artificially incubated undercontrolled conditions of temperature and humidity. The mating period occurredbetween November and January and the nesting season was observed betweenJanuary and April. The incubation period was 9 months with a hatching successof 8.7%; and a percentage of adult mortality was 23.5%. No significantdifferences in growth between sexes were found, being possibly a strategy usedby the specie to reduce energy costs associated with metabolic maintenanceafter reproductive stage.