Differences in incubation length and hatchling morphology among five species of oviparous Phrynocephalus lizards (Agamidae) from China

Published source details Wang Z., Ma L., Shao M. & Ji X. (2013) Differences in incubation length and hatchling morphology among five species of oviparous Phrynocephalus lizards (Agamidae) from China. Asian Herpetological Research, 4, 225-232.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Lizards Action Link

Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Lizards

A replicated study in 2010–2011 in Gansu and Zhejiang provinces, China (Wang et al. 2013) found that after bringing wild, gravid females of five Phrynocephalus species into captivity, some artificially incubated eggs hatched successfully. Data on hatching success is not provided. Incubation period was shorter at higher temperatures for all species (24°C: 44–56 days; 28°C: 32–38 days: 32°C: 26–28 days), and none of seven measures of hatchling size were affected by temperature (results presented as statistical model). In 2010–2011, gravid females of five species were collected and housed in cages (900 x 650 x 600 mm) in groups of 7–10 individuals of the same species. A substrate of sand, and clay tiles were provided, and temperatures were 20–28°C. Females were moved to individual cages (200 x 200 x 200 mm) to lay eggs. Eggs were incubated at 24°C (54 eggs), 28°C (44 eggs) or 32°C (59 eggs) in individual covered jars (50 ml) in vermiculite (1:1 with water by weight). Adult females were released back in to the wild after 3–4 months.

(Summarised by: William Morgan)