Husbandry Reports

The captive husbandry and reproduction of the pink-eared turtle (Emydura victoriae) at Perth Zoo

  1. G.S. Gaikhorst1,*,
  2. B.R. Clarke2,
  3. M. McPharlin3,
  4. B. Larkin3,
  5. J. McLaughlin4,
  6. J. Mayes3

Article first published online: 5 APR 2010

DOI: 10.1002/zoo.20317

Issue

Zoo Biology

Zoo Biology

Volume 30, Issue 1, pages 79–94, January/February 2011

Additional Information

How to Cite

Gaikhorst, G.S., Clarke, B.R., McPharlin, M., Larkin, B., McLaughlin, J. and Mayes, J. (2011), The captive husbandry and reproduction of the pink-eared turtle (Emydura victoriae) at Perth Zoo. Zoo Biol., 30: 79–94. doi: 10.1002/zoo.20317

Author Information

  1. 1

    Native Species Breeding Programs, Perth Zoo, South Perth, Western Australia, Australia

  2. 2

    School of Chemical and Mathematical Science, Faculty of Minerals and Energy, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia

  3. 3

    Perth Zoo, South Perth, Western Australia, Australia

  4. 4

    Marine and Atmospheric Research, Centre for Environmental and life Sciences, Floreat, Western Australia, Australia

*20 Labouchere Rd, South Perth, Western Australia 6151, Australia

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 11 FEB 2011
  2. Article first published online: 5 APR 2010
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 10 FEB 2010
  4. Manuscript Revised: 18 JAN 2010
  5. Manuscript Received: 8 JAN 2009

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Keywords:

  • biology;
  • ecology;
  • behavior;
  • diet;
  • growth;
  • development

Abstract

In 1997, Perth Zoo acquired six pink-eared turtles (Emydura victoriae) from the wild for display in the reptile facility. There is very little documented information on pink-eared turtles in captivity. This article looks at the reproductive biology, ecology, behavior, diet, and captive husbandry of the species. Eight clutches of eggs were documented over a 2-year period with an average clutch size of 10 eggs. Egg size was recorded with three clutches incubated to hatching. Ten hatchlings were maintained for a growth and development study. Measurements of weight, carapace length, width, height, and plastron length were recorded weekly for about 12 months, and then monthly for approximately 2 years. The data were analyzed and showed positive growth curves in all animals. Sexual dimorphism was observed after 20 weeks and sexual maturity in males observed after 2 years. Zoo Biol 30:79–94, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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