Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Litzgus, J. D., & Brooks, R. J. (2000). Habitat and temperature selection of clemmys guttata in a northern population. Journal of Herpetology, 34(2), 178–185.
Added by: Admin (14 Aug 2008 22:46:48 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Litzgus2000 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Clemmys, Clemmys guttata, Emydidae, Habitat = habitat, Nordamerika = North America, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises Creators: Brooks, Litzgus Collection: Journal of Herpetology |
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| Abstract |
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We used temperature-sensitive radiotransmitters to study habitat use and temperature selection of spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) on an island in Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada. Each of two field seasons was divided into four “subseasons”: Mating, Nesting, Aestivation, and Pre-hibernation, based on seasonal changes in spotted turtle behavior. We observed distinct seasonal shifts in habitat use. In spring (May–June), turtles aggregated in ponds to court and mate. In late June, females nested on open rock outcrops. During July and August, turtles spent about half their time buried in terrestrial forms on rock outcrops and in forests, and were actively swimming and basking, and presumably feeding, during the remainder of this subseason. From September to April, turtles hibernated in sphagnum swamps. Using temperature-sensitive radiotransmitters, we determined average body temperatures while turtles were basking (25.3 C), courting and mating (15.1 C), nesting (19.8 C), foraging and feeding (16.7 C), aestivating (21.8 C), and entering hibernation (9.5 C). We also recorded air and water temperatures during these activities. Comparisons of body temperatures to air and water temperatures, and observed habitat use, suggested that high summer temperatures and avoidance of desiccation were not the proximate causes of aestivation in this northern population.
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