Study

The effects of incubation temperature on hatching success, embryonic use of energy and hatchling morphology in the stripe-tailed ratsnake Elaphe taeniura

  • Published source details Du W.G. & Ji X. (2008) The effects of incubation temperature on hatching success, embryonic use of energy and hatchling morphology in the stripe-tailed ratsnake Elaphe taeniura. Asiatic Herpetological Research, 11, 24-30.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Alter incubation temperatures to achieve optimal/desired sex ratio: Snakes & lizards

Action Link
Reptile Conservation

Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Snakes

Action Link
Reptile Conservation
  1. Alter incubation temperatures to achieve optimal/desired sex ratio: Snakes & lizards

    A replicated, randomized, study in 1998 in a laboratory in Zhejiang, China (Du & Ji 2008) found that altering the incubation temperature of stripe-tailed ratsnake Elaphe taeniura eggs did not affect the sex ratio of hatchlings. The ratio of males to females varied from 2:5 to 13:6 and was not influenced by temperature (result presented as statistical test). In 1998, thirteen captive-born gravid females were acquired and housed in a wire cage (200 x 80 x 80 cm) at 30°C. Eggs were incubated at 22, 24, 27, 30 or 32°C, with eggs from each clutch split evenly between temperatures. Eggs were incubated individuals in covered plastic jars in vermiculite and water at a ratio of 1:2. Hatchlings were euthanized by freezing to -15°C to allow their sex to be determined.

    (Summarised by: William Morgan)

  2. Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Snakes

    A replicated, randomized study in 1998 in a laboratory in Zhejiang, China (Du & Ji 2008) found that hatching success of artificially incubated stripe-tailed ratsnake Elaphe taeniura eggs was lowest at the coolest and warmest temperatures tested, and that incubation periods and hatchling morphology were also affected by incubation temperature. Hatching success was lower for eggs incubated at the coolest or warmest temperatures (22°C: 6 of 12, 50%; 32°C: 7 of 17, 41%) compared to eggs incubated at intermediate temperatures (24°C: 25 of 32, 78%; 27°C: 19 of 24, 79%; 30°C: 23 of 29, 79%). Incubation period decreased with increased temperatures from 102 days at 22°C to 51 days at 32°C. Five of seven morphological features were also affected by incubation temperature (see paper for more details). In 1998, thirteen captive-born gravid females were acquired and housed in a wire cage (200 x 80 x 80 cm) at 30°C. Eggs were incubated at 22, 24, 27, 30 or 32°C, with eggs from each clutch split evenly between temperatures. Eggs were incubated individually in covered plastic jars in vermiculite and water at a ratio of 1:2. Hatchlings were euthanized by freezing to -15°C to measure a 0range of morphological features.

    (Summarised by: William Morgan)

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust