Abstract
A group of Bourret's box turtles were obtained from the animal trade in central Vietnam in 1993. Although eggs were recorded in captivity since 1994, successful breeding was first achieved in 1998. Three clutches each containing one egg were laid between March and June 1998 and one clutch of two eggs was laid in 1999. The eggs had an average length of 55.4 mm and an average width of 30.0 mm. At a temperature of 24-30 °C the eggs hatched after an incubation period of 85-117 days. One hatchling incubated constantly under 27.5 °C left the egg after 97 days and had a carapax length of 45 mm, a carapax width of 39 mm, and a mass of 18.5 g. Habitat loss and the use of Cuora g. bourreti as food and in traditional Chinese medicine, makes Bourret's box turtle a highly endangered species throughout its distribution.
Original language | American English |
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Journal | Salamandra |
Volume | 36 |
State | Published - 2000 |
Disciplines
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology