The Management and Breeding of the Asian Forest Tortoise ... | 台北市立動物園資訊網

The Asian forest tortoise [Manouria emys (formerly Geochelone emys)] is the largest tortoise inhabiting tropical Asia. First captive bred at the Honolulu Zoo in 1978, reproduction has continued to occur there over a multi-year period and in several other collections in the United States and Europe as well. This paper summarizes the data from five separate captive populations as well as elaborates on the unique nesting behavior of this species which includes the construction of a large above ground leaf-litter/earth mound. Collection of nest building material is accomplished by the female "backsweeping" ground litter for several days before and after egg deposition. The nesting female assumes nest guarding behavior against potential predators for a period of 3-20 days. The female also continues to rework the external parts of the large nest during this time period. When incubated artificially at temperatures ranging between 25.6-28.9° C (78-84° F) the egg incu...