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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Migrations of hatchling European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) after nest emergence

subject

description

Distances between nest sites of Emys orbicularis and the nearest water bodies can be long. We studied whether a longer distance could affect the probability of hatchling survival, migration time, and body mass loss. In our research area (Lubuskie district, western Poland), nest sites were situated on a slope; the closest water body was in a distance of 72-290 m. Near the water body we constructed a 550 m long drift fence to recapture hatchlings migrating down the slope. We monitored 32 hatchlings from 7 different nests deposited in the years 2008-2010. The hatchlings started to emerge from their nests on 9 and 13 April 2009, 7 and 9 April 2010, 30 March, 7 and 8 April 2011. Then, hatchlings were radiotracked using transmitters glued on their carapaces. Individuals () recaptured near the fence travelled the distance between the nest site and the fence within 18-727 hours (0.75-∼30 days). Hatchlings from nests situated only a short distance away (72-81 m) were recaptured in higher numbers, compared to those from nests situated further away (227-290 m). During the journey the hatchlings lost on average ∼3.8% of their initial body mass. The hatchlings which migrated longer lose more of their initial body mass than those which migrated shorter.