BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE RED-EARED TURTLE, TRACHEMYS SCRIPTA ELEGANS (REPTILIA, TESTUDINES, EMYDIDAE) IN CAPTIVITY
Keywords:
biological aspects, in captivity, red-eared turtle, Testudines, Trachemys scripta elegansAbstract
The trachemys scripta elegans is a semi-freshwater turtle and an exotic species. It has been introduced to nature in Brazil due to the lack of information among the population. People acquire the cub, young specimens of this turtle and, when the animals grow up, abandon them in nature. This species is omnivorous and, in captivity, some turtles manifested individual food preferences. Some males were observed displaying mating rituals and showing preference for specific females. However, neither the coitus, nor the ambulation of the females and the laying of eggs were observed. The study of this species is indispensable in Brazil to bring us knowledge of its biological aspects, thus, allowing us to reduce the risks of environment impacts due to the unorganized introduction of the species into the local nature. This study has been based on the observation of specimens in captivity.
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