Abstract
Understanding the mating system and reproductive strategies of an endangered species is critical to the success of captive breeding. The big‐headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is one of the most threatened turtle species in the world. Captive breeding and reintroduction are necessary to re‐establish wild populations of P. megacephalum in some of its historical ranges in China, where the original populations have been extirpated. However, the captive breeding of P. megacephalum is very difficult and this may be due to its mysterious reproductive strategies and special behavior (e.g., aggressive temperament and territoriality). In this study, we achieved successful captive breeding of P. megacephalum by creating a habitat that mimics natural conditions and then investigated its mating system using microsatellite makers. A total of 16 clutches containing 79 eggs of P. megacephalum were collected, and 52 were hatched successfully over two breeding seasons. Of the 15 effective clutches, 6 clutches (40%) exhibited multiple paternity. There was no significant correlation between clutch size and multiple paternity, and no significant difference in hatching success between multiple‐sired and single‐sired clutches. However, there was significant correlation between male body size and the number of offspring, with higher‐ranked males contributing to more clutches. Our results provide the first evidence of multiple paternity and male hierarchy in P. megacephalum. These findings suggest that multiple paternity and male hierarchy should be considered in captive breeding programs for P. megacephalum, and creating a habitat that mimics natural conditions is an effctive way to achieve successful captive breeding and investigate the mating systems of this species.
Highlights
Captive breeding and reintroduction are important approaches to improve the recovery of P. megacephalum in some of its historical ranges (China, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, Rhodin et al, 2017), where the original populations have been extirpated but the natural habitat still remains (Gong et al, 2017; Shen, Pike, & Du, 2010)
Multiple paternity has been found in some turtle species (Pearse & Avise, 2001), and our genetic data provide the first evidence of the occurrence of multiple paternity in P. megacephalum
Given the small sample size, this estimate for the incidence of multiple paternity may not represent the actual situation for wild populations
Summary
Turtles are currently one of the most threatened vertebrate taxa. About 59% of 356 extant turtle species are threatened, and 114 (32.0%) are classified as critically eandanged or endangered (Rhodin et al, 2017). Big‐headed turtles are often found in illegal markets (Gong, Chow, Fong, & Shi, 2009; Gong et al, 2017). When these individuals are confiscated, they provide a source of individuals for ex situ conservation. Big‐headed turtles usually fight and cause severe disability or even death This may be due to its specific reproductive strategies, or behavioral characteristics, such as aggressive temperament and territoriality (Gong et al, 2013). We achieved successful captive breeding of P. megacephalum by creating a habitat that mimics natural conditions (Gong et al, 2012), which gave us an opportunity to investigate its mating systems using microsatellite DNA makers. The main goals of this study were to reveal the characteristics of mating systems and provide a scientific basis for captive breeding of P. megacephalum
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
