Meeting Abstract

P2.123  Tuesday, Jan. 5  Reproductive Biology of the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) TEARE, A. R.*; ROSTAL, D. C.; Georgia Southern University, Statesboro; Georgia Southern University, Statesboro ateare1@georgiasouthern.edu

The physiological, morphological and behavioral changes associated with reproduction are well-studied in marine, freshwater and terrestrial turtles. These studies have revealed that most species follow a generalized seasonality in reproduction that is often based around environmental conditions. Changes in temperature and other environmental factors are known to stimulate hormonal axes, triggering mating behavior and gonadal recrudescence. Most temperature turtle species exhibit postnuptial gametogenesis, in which spring/summer mating uses gametes produced the previous summer and/or fall, and separate hormonal cues initiate mating behavior and gonadal activity. The alligator snapping turtle, despite overwhelming trapping during the 1960s-1980s, is understudied, and little information exists on Macrochelys temminckii reproductive physiology, especially with respect to hormonal seasonality. In this study, the Flint River, Georgia population of M. temminckii will be investigated to delineate their reproductive hormone cycles, gonadal development, and egg production. Seasonal estradiol, testosterone, and corticosterone cycles will be analyzed by ELISA. Captured males and females will be examined by ultrasound to determine reproductive status and to validate hormone analyses. Preliminary results indicate that mating occurs in spring and nesting occurs in late spring/early summer. Hormone analyses show that male alligator snapping turtles exhibit a postnuptial peak in testosterone during the fall, while females exhibit a biphasic cycle, with testosterone peaking in spring and fall. These initial findings indicate that M. temminckii display hormonal cycles and reproductive seasonality similar to other temperature turtles.