Reproduction in the pancake tortoise, Malacochersus tornieri, in captive collections
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Published source details
Darlington A.F. & Davis R.B. (1990) Reproduction in the pancake tortoise, Malacochersus tornieri, in captive collections. Herpetological Review, 21, 16-18.
Published source details Darlington A.F. & Davis R.B. (1990) Reproduction in the pancake tortoise, Malacochersus tornieri, in captive collections. Herpetological Review, 21, 16-18.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Breed reptiles in captivity: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles Action Link |
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Breed reptiles in captivity: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles
A study in 1965–1990 at The National Zoological Park and a private collection, Washington DC, USA (Darlington & Davis 1990) found that pancake tortoises Malacochersus tornieri bred in captivity, but most eggs produced in one population were infertile. Hatching success was four of 65 eggs (6%) in the first population and three of seven (43%) in the second. Of the remaining eggs, 46 of 65 (71%) and two of seven (29%) were infertile. Four individuals survived for at least a year or less, and one survived at least nine years. The National Zoological Park acquired its first tortoises in 1965–1972, and numbers fluctuated between 3–11 adults. The private collection acquired two females and a male in 1986–1988. Tortoises were housed in a range of different indoor enclosures and some had access to outdoor enclosures in good weather. Eggs were incubated using a range of methods (see paper for details), with average temperatures ranging from 27–31°C.
(Summarised by: William Morgan)
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