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14 June 2023 Nesting Ecology of the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) along the Lower Apalachicola River, Florida
Dale R. Jackson, Michael A. Ewert
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Abstract

We studied nesting ecology and sex determination in a population of Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle) inhabiting the lower Apalachicola River in western Florida. During 1990–1991, we located 105 nests (63 intact, 42 depredated); 83% occurred on prominent dredged spoil substrates. Coupled with data from additional years, mean clutch size of 130 nests was 35.1 (min–max = 17–52). Most nesting occurred from 20 April to 18 May, with about a week annual variation. Hatching extended throughout August. In nests that we protected from predators, hatching success averaged 78% (24 nests) in 1990 and 66% (26 nests) in 1991. Overall sex ratios were roughly 1 male: 2 females, although individual nests varied from all males to all females in conjunction with solar exposure.

Dale R. Jackson and Michael A. Ewert "Nesting Ecology of the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) along the Lower Apalachicola River, Florida," Southeastern Naturalist 22(sp12), 311-334, (14 June 2023). https://doi.org/10.1656/058.022.0sp1219
Published: 14 June 2023
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