Original scientific paper
First observations on ecology and distribution of Balkan terrapin, Mauremys rivulata (Valenciennes, 1833) in Vlora Bay, Albania
Enerit Saçdanaku
; Research Center of Flora and Fauna, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Albania
Idriz Haxhiu
; President of Herpetofauna Albanian Society (HAS), Tirana, Albania
Abstract
This study aims to provide for the first time information about morphometrics, habitats, population structure and biology of the Balkan Terrapin, Mauremys rivulata in the understudied area of Vlora Bay, Albania. Two main different habitats, freshwater channels (several channels in different areas) and ponds or swamps (two ponds in different areas) were monitored from March 2013 to October 2015. A high number of M. rivulata were observed basking in or out of the water, while 46 were captured for the first time. All individuals of M. rivulata captured were measured (length and width of carapace and plastron), marked (on marginal scutes), photographed and released again in the same habitat. Mean curved carapacial length was 18.1 cm for adult male (n=6), 19.1 cm for adult female (n=17) and 6.2 cm for juvenile (n=23). Sex ratio was 2.8 : 1 (female : male). 50% of all captured M. rivulata were juveniles.
Keywords
sex ratio; population structure; habitat; distribution; Mauremys rivulata; Albania
Hrčak ID:
157788
URI
Publication date:
31.1.2016.
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