Allometry of reproduction of Podocnemis expansa in Southern Amazon basin

Abstract

Podocnemis expansa (giant Amazon freshwater turtle) is the biggest freshwater turtle of South America. Like in other reptiles, the nest of P. expansa is a hole in the sand deep enough to avoid predators and extremes of temperature and humidity. However, nesting habitat selection in reptiles has effects on incubation success and on hatchlings. Female bodysize is also related to the size and shape (i.e., form) of the nest, which might in theory be related to the female reproductive success. In this study we established allometric relationships between female body size and nest form. Fieldwork was carried out in nesting beaches of Araguaia and Crixás-Açu Rivers in Southern Amazon basin, Brazil, from September to December 2000. As a result, we can establish that nest form does not affect reproductive success in the species, but female body length is positively related to egg mass and clutch size