Mating and nesting behavior of hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) in captivity

Abstract

We previously reported that two long-term reared mature females laid a total number of 894 eggs during a total of 7 nesting times. However, we did not elaborate the relationship between mating and nesting behavior. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between mating and nesting behavior in captivity. Details of the mating and nesting behavior were monitored since December 2005 by using four highly sensitive cameras continuously throughout day and night. Two cameras were fixed on the edge of the tank observation window and two cameras on the upper side tank wall connected to an artificial sand nesting bed. Rearing methods and the feeding protocol were same as the previous report (Shimizu et al., 2006). One mature male and three mature females were used for the present study. These turtles were the same turtles used for the previous study (Shimizu et al., 2006). After the nesting periods in 2004, the females did not mate with the male and did not lay eggs in 2005. One time mating was first observed after the start of camera observations in December 2005 in the two females during April to May. Shelled eggs were first observed between 13 and 18 days after mating. Thereafter the first laying was observed between 24 and 33 days after mating.