Size, growth, and survival are reduced at cool incubation temperatures in the temperate lizard Oligosoma suteri (Lacertilia : Scincidae)
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Published source details
Hare K.M., Longson C.G., Pledger S. & Daugherty C.H. (2004) Size, growth, and survival are reduced at cool incubation temperatures in the temperate lizard Oligosoma suteri (Lacertilia : Scincidae). Copeia, 2004, 383-390.
Published source details Hare K.M., Longson C.G., Pledger S. & Daugherty C.H. (2004) Size, growth, and survival are reduced at cool incubation temperatures in the temperate lizard Oligosoma suteri (Lacertilia : Scincidae). Copeia, 2004, 383-390.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Lizards Action Link |
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Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Lizards
A replicated, randomized study (years not provided) in laboratory conditions in New Zealand (Hare et al. 2004, same experimental set-up as Hare et al. 2008) found that lizard Oligosoma suteri hatchlings artificially incubated at 22–26°C survived significantly longer than those incubated at 18°C. Hatchlings incubated at 22°C and 26°C survived for longer (22°C: 94% of 50 survived 18 months; 26°C: 88% of 49 survived 18 months) than those incubated at 18°C (24% of 37 survived 18 months). See original paper for details on the effects of incubation temperature and moisture levels on body size and growth rates. Lizard eggs collected from wild females temporarily brought into captivity were randomly assigned incubation temperatures (18, 22 or 26°C) and moisture levels (–120 and –270 kPa). Eggs were artificially incubated in plastic containers with vermiculite (8–13 eggs/container and 2–4 containers/treatment). After hatching, juveniles were measured and housed in plastic-and-mesh containers for up to 18 months.
(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
