Nest site selection and nesting behavior of Reeves’ turtle (Mauremys reevesii) in Qichun County, Hubei Province, China

Research on nest site selection and nesting behavior is essential for species conservation. Research on the reproductive ecology of Reeves' turtles is relatively scarce. Therefore, from April to September 2022, we conducted a study in Qichun County, China, on the field nest site selection of 11 female Reeves' turtles using tracking line boxes. We also investigated the nesting behavior of 20 female turtles using high-definition surveillance cameras placed within an enclosure and recorded the clutch size. The results showed that slope, canopy cover, and distance from the water source significantly influenced nest site selection. Canopy cover significantly differentiated selected quadrats from random quadrats and the distance from the water source affected nest predation risk. The nesting behavior was divided into five stages: landing, excavation, egg laying, covering, and return, with a nesting season from early May to the end of July and nesting most occurring during dusk and dawn. The a..., Nest site selection
This study was conducted in Qichun County, Hubei Province, China (29°59′–30°40′ N, 115°12′–115°56′ E), from April to August 2022. We captured 11gravid female wild Reeves' turtles (using a portable X-ray machine to scan the turtles' lower abdomen to confirm the presence of hard-shelled eggs ) using cage traps , which were dismantled after capture to avoid harm to local wildlife. Then, a tracking line box was attached to the rear of the turtle's carapace. A fishing line was wound around the pulley to a length of approximately 70 m. The total weight of the tracking line box and adhesive did not exceed 40 g. Because the experimental turtles were large (≥ 400 g), the tracking line boxes did not affect their normal movement. The experimental Reeves' turtles were then released where they were captured. To prevent the fishing line from running out and affecting the turtle's normal activity, the specific locations of the turtle were determined at 06:00, 14:00, and 20:00 and t..., , # Nest site selection and nesting behavior of Reeves turtle (Mauremys reevesii) in Qichun County, Hubei Province, China

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.ttdz08m70](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.ttdz08m70)

## Description of the data and file structure

The dataset contained in the file titled \"raw data.xlsx\" appears to support a study on the nesting behavior and site selection of Reeves' turtle (*Mauremys reevesii*) in Qichun County, Hubei Province, China. The following points summarize the dataset in relation to the experimental procedures and results described in the study:

1. Nest Site Selection:

Variables Recorded: The dataset likely includes variables related to environmental and physical characteristics of the nest sites chosen by the turtles, such as soil type, vegetation cover, temperature, and proximity to water sources.

Procedure: The selection of nest sites by turtles was likely observed and documented over a specified period, with the researchers recording relevant environ...