Abstract
Between 1990 and 1993 we studied the Morelet's crocodile reproduction in captivity, with a sample of 27 males and 109 females. Females were larger (60 to 140 cm SVL) than previously known. Most frequent size of nesting females was between 81 and 100 cm of SVL. Sexual maturity in females was attained at a minimum size of 135 cm. The courtship, mating, nesting and hatching occurred between February and September. In the sample of females 8.25% nesting in each one of the 4 years of study, 11% in 3 years, 28.44% in 2, and 52.29% in one. The reproductive events mentioned were related to the highest average environmental temperatures, and nesting to the beginning of the rainy season. The number of eggs per nest fluctuated between 6 and 50 (29.24 ± 8.72). The body size and body mass were not good fine predictors of the reproductive characteristics. There was not correlation between egg characteristics and the clutch size, being different from the expected pattern. The body size and body mass were only slight correlated to clutch size, therefore, environmental factors, the reproductive quality of males, the physical condition of the females, the stocking rates, sex ratios, and territoriality may be influencing the reproductive traits.
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