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Body size and clutch size in the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) from central Italy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 1999

M. A. L. Zuffi
Affiliation:
Museo di Storia Naturale e del Territorio-Università di Pisa, via Roma 79, 56011 Calci (Pisa), Italy
F. Odetti
Affiliation:
Museo di Storia Naturale e del Territorio-Università di Pisa, via Roma 79, 56011 Calci (Pisa), Italy
P. Meozzi
Affiliation:
Istituto di Patologia Speciale e Clinica Chirurgica Veterinaria-Università di Pisa, viale delle Piagge, 2, 56100 Pisa, Italy
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Abstract

The reproductive biology and ecology of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis is little known, and available information was previously mainly anecdotal. Morphological data on E. orbicularis are now well documented in most of the known distribution area. Body size in northern populations tends to be larger than in southern populations. There are also indications that clutch size may be larger in northern than in southern European pond turtle populations. Clutch size and reproductive status of a central Italy population were detected by radiography and palpation, respectively, and comparative data were obtained by direct count of intact nest eggs. Reproductive females averaged 13.9 cm and rarely exceeded 15.5 cm carapace length. They produced a clutch size of six, the same number found in intact nests. Nest egg-size averaged 32 mm in length. Egg number was positively associated with female body size, and especially with carapace height.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
1999 The Zoological Society of London

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