Incubation, Hatching, and Growth of the Tortoise, Gopherus berlandieri

Abstract

Incubation time for Gopherus berlandieri ranged from 88-118 days and hatching success was 60.6%. Hatchlings were about 40 mm in carapace length and width and weighed approximately 21 g. Eggs hatched from 27 August to 5 November and the hatchlings grew until about the first of November. Growth ceased during winter, but resumed in March and continued throughout spring and summer. The most rapid increase was in weight followed in order by carapace length, plastron length, carapace width and shell height. Comparisons suggest that incubation time, hatching success and size at hatching are similar among Gopherus species.