Influence of environmental humidity and dietary protein on pyramidal growth of carapaces in African spurred tortoises (Geochelone sulcata)
The carapaces of captive-raised tortoises (terrestrial chelonians of the zoological family Testudinidae, often develop pyramidal-shaped osseous growth centrally within the horny plates. With very few exceptions (e.g. Geochelone elegans, Psammobates sp.), this conical growth pattern is considered to be pathologic. This very common defect is believed to be an important indicator of the quality of […]
Comparative study on the growth of juvenile Galapagos giant tortoises (Geochelone nigra) at the Charles Darwin Research Station (Galapagos Islands, Ecuador) and Zoo Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10130.abs In this study, the growth rates of a group of Galapagos giant tortoises raised in their natural habitat at the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS; Galapagos Islands, Ecuador) and a group of captive-bred specimens (Zoo Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland) were compared for the first time. A great discrepancy in growth rates was observed after […]
Seasonal reproductive cycle of the Galápagos tortoise (Geochelone nigra) in captivity
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1998)17:63.3.CO;2-V The reproductive physiology of nine Galápagos tortoises (Geochelone nigra) was studied from February 1988 to May 1989. The study encompassed the annual reproductive cycle to include complete mating and nesting sequences. Male (n = 4) and female (n = 5) seasonal reproductive changes were determined throughout the study with endocrine analysis and ultrasonographic […]