The natural history of nesting in two Australian freshwater turtles

摘要: The nesting behaviour of two Australian freshwater turtles, the broad-shelled river turtle Chelodina expansa and Brisbane Emydura signata are described.Both species nest during, or soon after rain. C. nests exclusively during day while E. as a preference for at night but can be found day. 30-300 m from water's edge usually walking up hill, typical just 2-10 edge. Both dig their with hind legs by alternative scooping movements. Nest excavation takes 20 to 180 minutes depending on how hard soil is compacted. Typically some water released cloaca process role this remains unknown. uses ‘body-slamming’ compact plug end was not observed in signata.