Nest Site Selection and Nesting Behavior of Reeves' Turtle (Mauremys reevesii) in Qichun County, Hubei Province, China

TL;DR

This study explores how Reeves' turtles choose nesting sites and their nesting behavior in China, revealing key environmental factors and challenges like predation.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the reproductive ecology of the endangered Reeves' turtle in Qichun County.

Findings

Slope, canopy cover, and distance from water significantly influence nest site selection.

Nesting behavior consists of five stages and occurs mainly during dusk and dawn.

High predation rates and extreme weather negatively impact reproduction.

Abstract

Research on nest site selection and nesting behavior is essential for species conservation. Research on the reproductive ecology of Reeves' turtles is relatively scarce. Therefore, from April to September 2022, we conducted a study in Qichun County, China, on the field nest site selection of 11 female Reeves' turtles using tracking line boxes. We also investigated the nesting behavior of 20 female turtles using high‐definition surveillance cameras placed within an enclosure and recorded the clutch size. The results showed that slope, canopy cover, and distance from the water source significantly influenced nest site selection. The nesting behavior was divided into five stages: landing, excavation, egg laying, covering, and return, with a nesting season from early May to the end of July and nesting most occurring during dusk and dawn. The average clutch size was 7.33 ± 0.33 eggs. Reproduction was affected by high nest predation rates and extreme weather conditions. This study provides valuable information on this endangered species and a foundation for the development of conservation plans.

This study investigates the nest site selection and nesting behavior of Reeves' turtles (
Mauremys reevesii
) in Qichun County, China. Our findings indicate that slope, canopy cover, and distance from the water source significantly influence nest site selection. The nesting behavior was categorized into five stages: landing, excavation, egg laying, covering, and return. Reproduction was notably impacted by high predation rates and extreme weather conditions.

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