| Abstrakt: |
Since the relevant literature did not provide any data about the nest contents and nest measurements of the Nile softshell turtle (Trionyx triunguis) on Anamur Beach, Mersin, on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Türkiye, we provide in this report the first confirmed findings of nest contents and nest measurements of this species. We also compare our results to previously published sources from other nesting areas. During our field surveys during the 2006 and 2007 nesting seasons on Anamur Beach, the total number of nests recorded during the study period was 12 (four and eight in 2006 and 2007, respectively) in sector II (between Sultan Creek and the Wharf), the subsector between Sultan Creek and the Aslıhan Channel, in sector IV (between Dragon Creek and Mamure Castle), and in sector V (between Mamure Castle and Pullu Nature Park). During the two nesting seasons, some nests were depredated by predators. The recorded predators were red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), feral dogs (Canis familiaris), and unknown predators, which depredated 66.67% of the 12 nests. In the four non-predated nests, a total of 189 eggs were counted, and the mean clutch size was 47.25±10.21 eggs (minimum: 37, maximum: 57). Of the 189 eggs, 134 (70.90%) hatched eggs and 55 (29.10%) unhatched eggs were counted in the four non-predated nests. The hatching success rate was 70.90%, and the percentage of hatchlings that reached the water from the total number of hatchlings was 98.51%in these four nests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
