Re: Question about false nesting [diamondbackterrapins] Digest Numb
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For the first time we at the Terrapin Institute have confirmed a false nesting in the wild. The wild female was observed nesting, then covering in the traditional manner. Upon investigating the nest site the tell-tale vessel shaped hole was discovered, but with no eggs in it. Were it not for an inordinate number of other nest holes without the signs of depredation nearby, i.e. egg shards, this single false nesting would not be noteworthy. However, I am wondering if the other depredated holes are evidence of several false nestings within this population. I thought that we had an advanced number of crows at the site which take away the egg, thereby leaving no trace of depredation but a hole in the ground. I think perhaps several excavated holes could have been disturbed by the more abundant raccoon, and then to their disappointment, there were no terrapin eggs to consume. What is the Group’s experience with the frequency of false nesting in the captive population? Thank you mw —–Original Message—– From: diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com
In a message dated 7/6/02 4:51:33 PM Pacific Daylight Time, terrapin@… writes:
I have seen my females dig holes and abandon them. If the sand is too loose, wet, or too dry then they usually abandon it. They will abandon the holes if they dig into a root or a rock as well. I have not seen my female try to dig more than three holes in a single outing. They will abandon a hole if they are disturbed as well. Some are more sensitive about this than others. For some, everything has to be perfectly quiet and NOTHING moving around them; or they will quickly cease their excavation. Also, younger females that are laying their first couple clutches will sometimes dig a number of holes over a few days before they finally lay eggs in a nest. They usually get the flask shaped hole created to some degree but rarly cover it up. i hope this helps, Scott BBM — In diamondbackterrapins@y…, “Terrapin Station at USNA/GP”
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