Radiata2010(4)e

Dieter Gramentz It is

Dieter Gramentz It is likely that the behaviour shown in self-defence is an effective adaptation to the predators faced in nature and it may save the turtles from injury and being eaten in many instances. Acknowledgements Wayne Frair (The King’s College) arranged for the two larger turtles in the USA and organised their transport by air to Germany, for which I am most grateful to him. References Aresco, M. J. (2005): Mitigation measures to reduce highway mortality of turtles and other herpetofauna at a North Florida lake. – J. Wildl. Managem., Lawrence, 69 (2): 549-560. Beissinger, S. R. (1990): Alternative foods of a diet specialist, the snail kite. – The Auk, Portland, 107 (1): 327-333. Brattstrom, B. H. (1965): Body temperatures of reptiles. – Amer. Midl. Nat., Notre Dame, 73 (2): 376-422. Delany, M. F., S. B. Linda & C. T. Moore (1999): Diet and condition of American alligators in 4 Florida lakes. – Proc. Annu. Conf. SEAFWA, Little Rock, 53: 375-389. Duellman, W. E. & A. Schwartz (1958): Amphibians and reptiles of southern Florida. – Bull. Florida State Mus., Biol. Sci., Gainesville, 3 (5): 181-324. Ernst, C. H., R. W. Barbour & J. E. Lovich (1994): Turtles of the United States and Canada. – Washington (Smithsonian Institution Press), 578 pp. Goff, D. S. & C. C. Goff (1935): On the incubation of a clutch of eggs of Amyda ferox. – Copeia, Lawrence, 1935 (3): 156. Greene, H. W. (1988): Antipredator mechanisms in reptiles. pp. 1-152. – In: Gans, C. & R. B. Huey (eds.): Biology of the Reptilia, Vol. 16, Ecology B, Defense and Life History. – New York (Alan R. Liss), 672 pp. Mertens, R. (1946): Die Warn- und Droh- Reaktionen der Reptilien. – Abh. Senckenberg. Naturf. Ges., Frankfurt/Main, 471: 1-108 + 8 Taf. Oken, L. (1816): Okens Lehrbuch der Naturgeschichte, Theil 3, Zoologie., Abth. 2, Fleischthiere. – Jena (August Schmid & Comp.), 1,270 pp. Pritchard, P.C.H. (1989): The Alligator Snapping Turtle: Biology and Conservation. – Milwaukee (Milwaukee Public Museum), 104 pp. Pritchard, P.C.H. & J. M. Bloodwell (1986): Multidisciplinary study of radionuclotides and heavy metal concentration in wildlife on phosphate mined and reclaimed lands. – Miami (Florida Inst. Phosphate Res., Publ. No. 05-017-042), 73 pp. Werner, F. (1912): Brehms Tierleben. Bd. 4. Die Lurche und Kriechtiere; Bd. 1 (Brückenechsen, Schildkröten, Panzerechsen). – Leipzig (4. ed. Bibliogr. Inst.), 572 pp. Wright A. H. & W. D. Funkhouser (1915): A biological reconnaissance of the Okefenokee swamp in Georgia. – Proc. Acad. Nat. Soc. Philadelphia, Philadelphia, 67: 107-139. Author Dieter Gramentz Földerichstr. 7 13595 Berlin Germany E-Mail: liteblu@gmx.de 32 RADIATA 19 (4), 2010