| Autor: |
Gahmous SA; Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, University Badji Mokhtar-Annaba, BP 12, El Hadjar, Annaba 23000, Algeria., Tiar G; Functional and Evolutionary Ecology Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University Chadli Bendjedid-El Tarf, 76, El Tarf 36000, Algeria.; Environment and Biodiversity Research Division, National Environmental Research Center, Sidi Amar University Campus, 2024, Annaba 23005, Algeria., Tiar-Saadi M; Functional and Evolutionary Ecology Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University Chadli Bendjedid-El Tarf, 76, El Tarf 36000, Algeria., Bouslama Z; National Environmental Research Center, Sidi Amar University Campus, 2024, Annaba 23005, Algeria., Široký P; Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.; CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic. |
| Abstrakt: |
We measured and compared the reproductive traits of the Mediterranean stripe-necked turtles Mauremys leprosa living in highly degraded-polluted vs. intact natural habitats in Algeria. Data on reproduction were obtained by using X-ray examination of gravid females and examination of nests. The results were opposite to the negative trend confirmed in most freshwater turtles exposed to pollution and suggested the ability of this species to flourish instead in highly degraded-polluted habitats. An optimum development was recorded for several reproductive patterns of the studied freshwater turtle under conditions considered uninhabitable for other vertebrates. Females exhibited record body sizes among conspecifics, which allowed them to carry significantly larger clutches, exceeding by up to 3 eggs the previously largest reported clutch. The mean clutch size (8.79 ± 2.70 eggs) was also higher than findings from previous studies, except for in some other polluted habitats. Furthermore, large females even with large clutches carried large eggs. Egg measurements in the disturbed habitat revealed new records exceeding those previously noted; in egg length (by 3.0 mm), egg width (by 2.8 mm), egg mass (by 1.8 g), and clutch mass (by 18.6 g). In comparison, the usual reproductive performances were observed in the intact natural habitat; female body sizes were significantly smaller and carried fewer eggs of smaller size. |
