Literaturdatenbank
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Gelli, D., Fuselli, M. B., & Romagnoli, S. (2007). The reproductive cycle of mediterranean tortoises (testudo greca and testudo hermanni). Praxis Veterinaria (Milano), 28(2), 7–12.
Added by: Admin (14 Aug 2008 20:34:31 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Gelli2007 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Fortpflanzung = reproduction, Physiologie = physiology, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Testudinidae, Testudo, Testudo graeca, Testudo hermanni Creators: Fuselli, Gelli, Romagnoli Collection: Praxis Veterinaria (Milano) |
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| Abstract |
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Testudinidae The two most common types of mediterranean tortoises (Testudo graeca and Testudo hermanni) are oviparous reptiles which can be found on the coasts of Spain, Northern Africa, Sardinia, Israel, Balcans, Albania, Greece, Turkey, part of Romania and Bulgaria and the Middle East including Iran, Iraq and russian Caucasia. They have an annual reproductive cycle with egg-laying occurring during summer. T. Hermanni can be recognized based on the presence of a supra-caudal shield divided into two parts with the apex of the tail encased by a keratinized cover, while the supra-caudal shield of Testudo graeca is undivided and the tail does not have a keratinized cover. Sexual maturity is not achieved based on age of female but rather as soon as the ventral shield reaches a length of 20 cm, while it is reached earlier in the male but the mechanism regulating this process in male is unknown. Sexual dimorphism is not evident until after puberty. Adult males are smaller than females, their ventral shield is concave (to allow for mounting and breeding), their tails are longer and the distance between the caudal end of the ventral shield and the cloaca is shorter than in females. Sex of the tortoise before puberty can only be identified through endoscopy. Males can become aggressive towards females while trying to breed them during the reproductive season, especially when turtles are kept in captivity and there is not enough room for the female to escape. Dystocia may occur if ground conditions are not ideal for egg-laying. Neonate turtles are self sufficient when they are born and can already go into hibernation during their first winter notwithstanding their small body weight.
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