The influence of incubation temperature on morphology, locomotor performance, and cold tolerance of hatchling Chinese three-keeled pond turtles, Chinemys reevesii

Published source details Du W.G., Zheng R.Q. & Shu L. (2006) The influence of incubation temperature on morphology, locomotor performance, and cold tolerance of hatchling Chinese three-keeled pond turtles, Chinemys reevesii. Chelonian Conservation and Biology, 5, 294-299.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles Action Link

Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles

A replicated, randomized study in 2001 in a laboratory setting in Hangzhou, China (Du et al. 2006) found that artificially incubating Chinese three-keeled pond turtle Chinemys reevesii eggs at different temperatures did not influence hatching success, but did influence four of five measure of hatchling size and six of 16 comparisons of locomotor performance. Hatching success was similar across all incubation temperatures (73–96%). Four of five measures of hatchling size were affected by temperature (see paper for details). Locomotor performance (four measures of swimming and crawling performance) was better for hatchlings incubated at 27 and 30°C in six of 16 comparisons and similar in the remaining 10 comparisons compared to those incubated at 24 and 33°C. In July 2001, a total of 111 viable eggs (from a private hatchery) were incubated in plastic boxes in moist vermiculite at 24°C (24 eggs), 27°C (28 eggs), 30°C (28 eggs) or 33°C (30 eggs). Crawling and swimming performance of hatchlings was assessed by chasing them along a “racetrack” covered with sand (crawling) or 50 mm of water (swimming).

(Summarised by: William Morgan)