Data from: Optimising the hatching success of artificially incubated eggs for use in a conservation program for the western saw-shelled turtle (Myuchelys bellii)

Artificial incubation of eggs and the release of hatchlings into the wild
is a common conservation intervention designed to augment threatened
turtle populations. We investigate a range of incubation temperatures to
establish an optimal temperature for maximum hatching success of western
saw-shelled turtle (Myuchelys bellii) eggs. We report on the influence of
incubation temperature on incubation duration and hatching success and
describe two experimental incubation methods which, for the same
incubation temperature, resulted in 77% and 97% hatching success,
respectively. Eggs were incubated at constant temperatures (27°C, 28°C and
29°C) to determine the influence of temperature on incubation period,
hatchling morphology and external residual yolk. Incubation duration was
negatively correlated with incubation temperature. We report on the
morphology of eggs and hatchlings and show that their dimensions are
positively correlated with maternal adult size and mass. A constant
incubation temperature of 27°C produced the highest hatching success and
smallest external residual yolk on hatching and is therefore recommended
for incubation of eggs for population reinforcement programs. Our study is
the first to optimise artificial incubation procedures for M. bellii and
will be a valuable resource for M. bellii and other threatened freshwater
turtle conservation initiatives.