Maik Schilde for the latter method (see above) and achieved breeding successes for Batrachemys raniceps and Platemys platycephala and oviposition in Mesoclemmys gibba. The overall problem is aggravated by the eggs of some species being difficult to incubate. A diapause is known to be required for proper embryonic development, for example in the case of Phrynops geoffroanus (Wicker 1984, Ewert 1991), and, as can be deduced from husbandry reports, must be presumed for other species (Grossmann 1986, Grossmann & Reimann 1991). The question of whether transferring the eggs to an incubator right after they have been laid or only after leaving them where they are for a few days first (as I have been practising it for Claudius angustatus; Schilde 2001) have an influence on the speed of embryonic development or the onset of a diapause, must remain unanswered at this stage. However, a diapause may also need to be observed in Batrachemys raniceps eggs, as was evident from the course of development of the third clutch: On 01.11.2007, the larger female produced another clutch of two eggs that were again buried in the terrestrial section. They measured 41 × 30 and 39 × 29 mm, respectively. This time, the eggs were transferred to an incubator shortly after they had been laid. Like before, these eggs showed a white spot each on their upper sides within Fig. 5. Batrachemys raniceps of a few days of age in ventral view. Fig. 6. Juvenile specimen, one year old. Fig. 4. Ventral view of a one year-old Batrachemys raniceps. Fig. 7. Juveniles are marked with a black spot on every lateral scute. 60 RADIATA 17 (3), 2008
Husbandry and first-time Breeding of Batrachemys raniceps just a few days. However, their development subsequently stagnated for two months. The incubator then malfunctioned in December, allowing incubation temperatures to drop to 17 °C for more than 24 hours. In January of 2008, blood vessels were forming in both eggs and their development progressed continually from then on. Whether the temporary drop in temperatures was responsible for terminating the diapause cannot be stated, though, because of the uniqueness of the event. If a future clutch will halt in its development, however, I will expose some eggs to lowered temperatures for a few days. Continued propagation of Batrachemys raniceps appears to be possible, and I hope that my report has raised the interest of some more turtle enthusiasts in this or other South American side-necked turtles. References Bonin, F., B. Devaux & A. Dupré (2007): Turtles of the World. – London (A & C Black Publishers), 416 pp. Bour, R. & H. Zahner (2005): A new species of Mesoclemmys, from the open formations of northeastern Brazil (Chelonii, Chelidae). – Pap. Avulsos Zool., São Paulo, 45 (24): 295-311. Budde, H. (1980): Verbesserter Brutbehälter zur Zeitigung von Schildkrötengelegen. - Salamandra, Frankfurt/Main, 16 (3): 177-180. Dixon, J. R. & P. Soini (1977): The reptiles of the Upper Amazon Basin, Iquitos Region, Peru. II. Crocodilians, turtles and snakes. – Contr. Biol. Geol., Milwaukee Pub. Mus., 12: 1-91. Ernst, C. H. & R. W. Barbour (1989): Turtles of the World. – Washington D.C., London (Smiths. Instit. Press.), 313 pp. Ewert, M. A. (1991): Cold torpor diapause delayed hatching and aestivation in reptiles. – pp. 173-193. In: Deeming D.C. & M. W. J. Ferguson (eds.): Egg Incubation: Its Effects on Embryonic Development in Bird and Reptiles. – New York (Cambridge Univ. Press), 462 pp. Fritz, U. & P. Havaš (2007): Checklist of Chelonians of the World. – Vertebrate Zoology, Dresden, 57 (2): 149-368. Gray, J. E. (1856): Catalogue of the shield reptiles in the collection of the British Museum. Part I. Testudinata (Tortoises). – Brit. Mus. Nat. Hist., London, 79 pp. Grossmann, P. (1986): Zur Haltung und Nachzucht von Phrynops hilarii (Duméril & Bibron, 1835). – Sauria, Berlin, 8 (2): 3-6. — (1989): Beiträge zur Haltung und Nachzucht der Buckelschildkröte Phrynops (Mesoclemmys) gibbus (Schweigger 1812). – Sauria, Berlin, 11 (3): 11-15. — & M. Reimann (1991): Beiträge zum Verhalten und zur Nachzucht von Phrynops tuberculatus (Lüderwaldt 1926) im Aqua- Terrarium. – Sauria, Berlin, 13 (2): 3-6. Iverson, J. B. (1992): A revised checklist with distribution maps of the turtles of the world. – Richmond (privately printed), 363 pp. McCord, W. P., M. Joseph-Ouni & W. W. Lamar (2001): A Taxonomic reevaluation of Phrynops (Testudines: Chelidae) with the description of two new genera and a new species of Batrachemys. – Revista Biol. Tropic., San José, 49 (2): 715-764. Medem, M. F. (1960): Datos zoo-geograficos y ecologicos sobre los Crocodylia y RADIATA 17 (3), 2008 61
