Herbert Meier Fig. 3. Portrait of a Peltocephalus dumerilianus. Fig. 4. Adult male Podocnemis erythrocephala. Fig. 5. Female Podocnemis erythrocephala lose the red colouration of the head when they become sexually mature. 8 RADIATA 17 (3), 2008
Experiences with the Keeping of River Turtles of the Family Podocnemididae Fig. 6. A juvenile of Podocnemis erythrocephala of about 4-6 weeks of age. and all commonly available types of cabbage, major constituents during the summer months include dandelion, clover and plantain. Fruit is supplied mainly in the shape of apples, but pears, strawberries, kiwis, peaches and cherries are also given when in season and available. Sunflower and pine seeds are eagerly consumed, as are peanuts and walnuts, various cereals, sweet corn, and rice. A popular addition is oats. If plant and animal matter are offered at the same time, a distinct predilection for the latter becomes evident. Following Knaack (2003), young Podocnemis unifilis and Podocnemis expansa grow faster on a diet of animalian foods than those raised with vegetable matter. In general it can be stated that just about everything goes, and in most cases it is just a matter of “what fits into the mouth, will be eaten”. In nature, many native turtles, including those of the family Podocnemididae, are baited by the human population with fish and caught in basket traps or with fishhooks. Courtship and mating mainly takes place during the months of autumn and winter, even though the male may court their females all year round. This often entails a male pursuing a female for days on end and approaching her very carefully. The female will typically want to flee, but is often kept from doing so by the male biting her on the limbs and lower side of the neck. If she is then left without a way out, the female will start biting about wildly and drive the obtrusive suitor off. At least with Podocnemis unifilis, mating is facilitated by the female lying motionlessly on the ground. The head will be resting on the ground, and it would look as though the turtle is asleep if it were not for her briefly lifting the head every now and then. A short while later, however, the female will turn against the male once more and start snapping at him if he does not remove himself quickly enough. So far, Fig. 7. A comparison of body sizes in Podocnemis erythrocephala: a female on the left, a male on the right. RADIATA 17 (3), 2008 9
