Study

Three generations of captive-hatched desert tortoises, Xerobates agassizii

  • Published source details Arneberg Booth K. & Buskirk J. (1988) Three generations of captive-hatched desert tortoises, Xerobates agassizii. Herpetological Review, 19, 55-56.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Breed reptiles in captivity: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles

Action Link
Reptile Conservation
  1. Breed reptiles in captivity: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles

    A study in 1935–1986 in California, USA (Arneberg Booth & Buskirk 1988) found that 1st and 2nd generation captive desert tortoises Gopherus agassizii bred successfully in most years, but 3rd generation tortoises were successful in only two of 10 years. Authors reported only a subset of data. They estimated that the total number of eggs produced was 280 over 30 years by the 1st captive generation; 120 over 16 years by the 2nd generation; and 32 over 10 years by the 3rd generation. Reported hatching success was 20–83% for eggs produced by the 2nd generation, and 0–43% for those produced by the 3rd generation. All tortoises were descendants of an adult pair acquired in 1935 and were housed in outdoor enclosures. Eggs were collected from outdoor nests and placed in plastic bowls in 1 cm of washed sand. Bowls were covered with a damp cloth and temperatures were maintained at 26–27°C. When hatching began, eggs were moved to a sheet of waxed paper.

    (Summarised by: William Morgan)

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Save the Frogs - Ghana Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust