Aspectos da Biologia Reprodutiva de Rhinemys rufipes (Spix, 1824) (Chelidae, Testudines) na Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke, Amazonas, Brasil

Abstract

This work identifies some basics aspects on reproductive behavior of Rhynemis rufipes in the Forest Reserve Adolpho Ducke (3º08`S; 60º04W) between April and July, 2006 and compare this aspects with other species from the genus Phrynops and Mesoclemmys. Probably, Rhynemys rufipes have the nest season associated with the raining season. Females with egg are more active during the full moon, suggesting a possible relation with more lighting nights and the oviposition day. When the oviposition is induced by ocitocine injection, females laid their eggs faster when the procedure happens just after the capture on field. It was not finded multiple clutches in the same reproductive period with the methodology employed. Rhinemys rufipes large females laid heavier eggs. Among species from Phrynops, Rhynemis and Mesoclemmys genus, larger species produce more spherical eggs and more numerous. Species with eggs relatively larger in relation to the body size present less spherical eggs. This group eggs attributes are related with the specie habitat and localization, where the data was collected on the South America. However, there is no relation with the genus. Conservation and management programs should pay attention on the reproductive biology of each species. These characteristics can vary even between species from the same genus.