Use of American Alligator nests by nesting turtles
Deitz DC and Jackson R. 1979. Use of American Alligator nests by nesting turtles. Journal of Herpetology. 13(4):510-512
Nest site selection by North American freshwater turtle has recently come under increasing study (e.g., Burger & Montevecchi, 1975; Plummer, 1976). These investigations have examined the importance of slope, vegetation and elevation as factors influencing the selection of nest sites by turtles that nest in sandy substrates. During our studies of reproduction of Alligator mississippiensis and several species of turtles in north Florida from 1974 to 1977, we noted extensive use of alligator nest mounds by nesting turtles. The presence of Chrysemys nelsoni eggs in alligator nest mounds has been reported by other workers (Carr, 1967; Goodwin and Marion, 1977); we extend these observations to Trionyx ferox and Kinosternon subrubrum, and provide data on frequency of occurrence.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Deitz, D.; Jackson, R.
- Units
- SODN
- Keywords
- Alligators, Herpetology, nesting activities, Turtles