Study

Influence of incubation conditions on hatching success, embryo development and hatchling phenotype of common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) eggs

  • Published source details Diaz-Paniagua C. & Cuadrado M. (2003) Influence of incubation conditions on hatching success, embryo development and hatchling phenotype of common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) eggs. Amphibia-Reptilia, 24, 429-440.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Lizards

Action Link
Reptile Conservation
  1. Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Lizards

    A replicated, randomized study in 1998–1999 in southern Spain (Díaz-Paniagua & Cuadrado 2003) found that during artificial incubation of common chameleon Chamaeleo chamaeleon eggs, hatching success, growth and survival were affected by temperature but not by moisture levels. Hatching success was higher at 25°C (100%) than at 29°C (53–76%) but was not affected by moisture levels (wet: 76–100%; dry: 53–100%). Similarly, hatchling survival during the first month was affected by incubation temperature but not moisture levels (result presented as statistical model), and growth was higher for hatchlings incubated at 25°C (0.19 mm/day) compared to those incubated at 29°C (0.09 mm/day). In 1998, ninety-six eggs from six wild nests were split evenly between 16 plastic boxes (6 eggs/box) and completely buried in moist vermiculite. Two temperature treatments (cool: 25°C; warm: 29°C) and two moisture treatments (wet: -150 kPa; dry: -600 kPa) were established, and four boxes each were assigned to each temperature-moisture treatment. All eggs were subjected to an initial low temperature period (<18°C) during November–February before temperatures were gradually increased to the treatment level.

    (Summarised by: William Morgan)

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