Reproductive ecology of the Beal’s-eyed turtle (Sacalia bealei)

The Beal’s-eyed turtle (Sacalia bealei) is endemic to southeastern China and endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. Knowledge of S. bealei ecology is lacking and this study provides baseline information of its reproduction in a natural environment. We studied the reproductive ecology of S. bealei using X-ray, spool-and-line tracking, and direct observation. Six nesting females were successfully tracked and their nesting behaviors were documented in detail. Females produced only one clutch per year, with a mean clutch size of 2.2 eggs (range 1–3). The white, hard-shelled eggs were ellipsoidal with a mean length of 45.50 mm, a mean width of 23.20 mm, and mean weight of 14.8 g. The relative clutch mass (RCM) was 9.47%, while the relative egg mass (REM) was 4.60%. The mean incubation period was 94.7 days with a mean nest temperature of 25.08°C. Hatchlings had a mean weight of 9.7 g, carapace length of 40.1 mm, carapace width of 33.3 mm, carapace height of 17.4 mm, plastron length of 31.6 mm, and plastron width of 25.4 mm. The results of this study provide important information to formulate conservation plan and ex-situ breeding for this endangered species.