Biology, captive husbandry, and conservation of the Malagasy flat-tailed tortoise, Pyxis planicauda Grandidier, 1867
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Published source details
Gibson R.C. & Buley K.R. (2004) Biology, captive husbandry, and conservation of the Malagasy flat-tailed tortoise, Pyxis planicauda Grandidier, 1867. Herpetological Review, 35, 111-116.
Published source details Gibson R.C. & Buley K.R. (2004) Biology, captive husbandry, and conservation of the Malagasy flat-tailed tortoise, Pyxis planicauda Grandidier, 1867. Herpetological Review, 35, 111-116.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Breed reptiles in captivity: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles Action Link |
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Breed reptiles in captivity: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles
A study in 1991–2002 at Jersey Zoo, Jersey (Gibson & Buley 2004) found that Malagasy Flat-tailed tortoises Pyxis planicauda had limited success breeding in captivity. Females produced 2–3 eggs/season, though only three eggs hatched successfully over 11 years. One hatchling died after 18 months. Incubation periods were >213, 262 and 306 days. Two females and four males were obtained in 1991, and a further three females were obtained in 1997. Males were housed in individual enclosures (50 x 50 cm), and females were housed together (400 x 50 cm enclosure). Temperature, humidity and rainfall (from a sprinkler system) were moderated to replicate the wet/dry season cycle (see paper for details). Eggs were incubated in a bowl with dry vermiculite, inside a box containing damp vermiculite (1:1 with water by weight). The incubation box was subjected to the same seasonal conditions as the captive tortoises, but temperatures were increased to 30–31°C near the end of incubation.
(Summarised by: William Morgan)
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