Effect of incubation temperature on the somatic development of the snail-eating turtle Malayemys macrocephala
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Published source details
Pewphong R., Kitana J. & Kitana N. (2013) Effect of incubation temperature on the somatic development of the snail-eating turtle Malayemys macrocephala. Asian Herpetological Research, 4, 254-262.
Published source details Pewphong R., Kitana J. & Kitana N. (2013) Effect of incubation temperature on the somatic development of the snail-eating turtle Malayemys macrocephala. Asian Herpetological Research, 4, 254-262.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles Action Link |
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Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles
A replicated study in 2011–2012 in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, Thailand (Pewphong et al. 2013) found that artificially incubating snail-eating turtle Malayemys macrocephala eggs at higher temperatures resulted in more physical deformities in embryos. Higher incubation temperatures resulted in more embryos having physical deformities (1% at 26°C; 3% at 29°C; 30% at 32°C). The proportion of infertile eggs did not differ between the temperature treatments (8% at 26°C; 4% at 29°C; 11% at 32°C). In 2011–2012, a total of 712 eggs from 126 wild turtle nests were collected. Eggs were placed in plastic boxes containing moist vermiculite (1:1 ratio with distilled water) and incubated at 26°C (237 eggs), 29°C (237 eggs) or 32°C (238 eggs). Eggs were randomly selected for dissection each week to assess embryos for developmental abnormalities. Embryos were euthanised with an injection of sodium pentobarbital (600 mg/kg).
(Summarised by: William Morgan)
