Literaturdatenbank
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Davis, K. M. , Social behavior of emydid turtles in a naturalistic setting. Paper presented at 2007 Annual Meeting.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (06 Jul 2014 16:10:39 UTC) |
| Resource type: Proceedings Article BibTeX citation key: anon2007t View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Schildkröten - turtles + tortoises, Verhalten - ethology Creators: Davis Collection: 2007 Annual Meeting |
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| Abstract |
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Turtle social behavior is little studied in spite of their phylogenetic position, as either the most basal reptile taxon or the sister taxon to the highly social birds and crocodilians, and the endangered status of many species. Although parental care, ubiquitous in birds and crocodilians, is lacking in turtles, they do interact during feeding, courtship, and basking. Nevertheless, detailed studies of social dynamics from a comparative perspective, especially of aquatic turtles, are rare. Social interactions of an established mixed species group of closely related freshwater turtles (Emydidae) were studied in a naturalistic enclosure. Video sequences of underwater turtle interactions were analyzed. Turtles were found to interact and spend time in close proximity, with individuals of their own or most closely related species. Social behaviors were documented and grouped into three categories: agonistic, courtship, and general social. Behavioral repertoire and frequency of social interactions varied seasonally. Social interactions were seen in all sexual pairings and frequency of social behavior category differed significantly with sexual pairing. Intense agonistic interactions were more prevalent with male-male pairs, courtship interactions were more common with female-male pairs, and generalized social interactions were seen in female-female pairs. Some agonistic interactions included intense harassment of a smaller, newly introduced, male by coalitions of two or more larger males. These findings indicate that turtles are active social animals that interact with specific individuals. More studies into the social complexity of turtles of many species are needed and may be essential for their conservation.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |