Effects of environmental temperature on the onset and the duration of oviposition period of Caiman latirostris

SIMONCINI, M.; CRUZ F.B.; PIÑA, C.I.

Herpetologcal Conservation and Biology

Herpetological Conservation and Biology.

Año: 2013

1931-7603

Abstract.- Reproductive biology of Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris) may be affected by climatic variables.  However, it remains unknown what specific climatic variables affect the onset of oviposition as well as its duration. In this study, we use a serie of climatic data of the preceding four weeks to know which of them influence these reproductive characteristics, and we observed the weather conditions of the immediate week prior to oviposition being the most important factor.  We found a delay in the onset of oviposition when the number of days with temperatures below 20°C in the previous weeks is higher.  Conversely, we found that oviposition starts earlier in a season when the number of days with temperatures above 33°C during the previous week increases.  Additionally, the duration of the oviposition period is longer when the number with temperatures above 33°C increases. No relationship was found between the onset of oviposition and the number of storms or the amount of rainfall in the four preceding weeks.  We also noted that in seasons when the start oviposition is delayed, the duration of oviposition of this period is shorter.  The onset of oviposition of female C. latirostris may vary up to three weeks among years.  The information obtained is a useful tool for managing strategies because it predicts the timing and duration of oviposition based on climatic information.