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

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 Biology, 30 (1). pp. 79-94.

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.