Nesting Ecology of Podocnemis erythrocephala (Testudines, Podocnemididae) of the Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brazil

• DOI: 10.2744/ccb-0611.1
• Publication Date: 2008-08-25T16:02:01Z
• Authors: Alexandre Milaré ...; Richard C. Vogt
• Keywords: Nesting (process)

We studied reproductive ecology and egg survivorship of Podocnemis erythrocephala (Spix 1824) in 4 campina habitats on the Ayuanã River, Santa Isabel do Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brazil. There were 2 nesting periods, first early October other beginning December, separated by a period flash floods. A total 117 nests recorded, with nest density 19.9 nests/ha, mean clutch size 8.7 eggs, volume 14 cm3. Females chose to most open sites, plant cover up 50%. Nest loss reached 100% for season: 70% was from floods, 12% predation weasel Eira barbara (Mustelidae), 9% lizard Ameiva ameiva (Teiidae), 5% humans, 2% Crocodilurus lacertinus 1% Daptrius ater (Falconidae).