Between-population variation in body size and growth rate of hatchling Asian yellow pond turtles, Mauremys mutica

Published source details Chen Y., Zhao B., Sun B.J., Wang Y. & Du W.G. (2011) Between-population variation in body size and growth rate of hatchling Asian yellow pond turtles, Mauremys mutica. The Herpetological Journal, 21, 113-116.
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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

Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles

A replicated study in 2009 in an artificial setting in Zhejiang, China (Chen et al. 2011) found that some Asian yellow pond turtle Mauremys mutica relocated for artificial incubation hatched successfully, and that higher incubation temperatures resulted in higher growth rates for hatchlings from one of two populations. Overall, 19 of 35 (54%) clutches of artificially incubated eggs hatched successfully (2 eggs/clutch; one incubated at 26°C and one at 30°C). Growth rate of hatchlings sourced from a more southerly population was lower for those incubated at 26°C (0.06 g/day) compared to those incubated at 30°C (0.1 g/day), whereas hatchlings from a more northerly population grew at similar rates at both incubation temperatures (0.04–0.05 g/day). Initial hatchling mass was similar for those incubated at 26°C (5–6 g) and those incubated at 30°C (5–6 g). In 2009, fifteen clutches of eggs were collected from a more southerly wild population (Hainan province) and 20 clutches were collected from a more northerly population (Zhejiang province). Eggs were individually incubated in jars with moist vermiculite, and one egg from each clutch was incubated at 26°C and one was incubated at 30°C. Hatchlings were weighed soon after emergence and then maintained at 28°C for 90 days and weighed again to measure growth rate.

(Summarised by: William Morgan)