Literaturdatenbank
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Ligon, D. B., & Graves, K. , Conservation implications of incubation temperature for alligator snapping turtles (macrochelys temminckii). Paper presented at Turtle Survival Alliance 2006 Annual Meeting.
Added by: Admin (13 Dec 2008 16:50:15 UTC) |
| Resource type: Proceedings Article BibTeX citation key: Ligon2006 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Chelydridae, Habitat = habitat, Macrochelys, Macrochelys temminckii, Nordamerika = North America, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Zeitigung = incubation Creators: Graves, Ligon Collection: Turtle Survival Alliance 2006 Annual Meeting |
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| Abstract |
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Macrochelys temminckii populations have declined markedly in recent decades, partly due to anthropogenic forces such as commercial harvesting and impoundment of rivers throughout the southeastern United States. In response, a captive propagation effort has been initiated in Oklahoma, with the goal of producing turtles that can be released in areas where populations have been extirpated. Several traits that are influenced by incubation temperature (Tinc) can impact the success of such “head start” initiatives, including sex, size, growth rate, activity level, and mortality—all potential correlates of fitness. Here, we present results from a study of physiological effects of Tinc on early development in M. temminckii. Eggs were collected within 48h of deposition and incubated at three constant temperatures (26.5, 28.5, 30.5°C). Resting metabolic rate (RMR; oxygen consumption) of individual eggs was measured weekly throughout incubation. After hatching, RMR was measured at each of the three Tinc to determine the degree to which acclimation resulted in metabolic compensation. Finally, growth was monitored for 10 weeks post-hatching. As expected, incubation duration was inversely proportional to Tinc. Turtles incubated at 30.5°C consumed less oxygen during development than those from lower temperatures, and were smaller at hatching. Similarly, the magnitude and timing of the peak RMR exhibited by embryos correlated negatively with incubation temperature. There was no indication of metabolic compensation to acclimation during incubation. These results indicate that moderate temperatures during embryonic development may optimize many physiological performance traits, and that close attention to Tinc may enhance the success of such propagation programs.
Added by: Admin |