“ชุมชนบ้านคลองจากท่องเที่ยวเชิงนิเวศป่าดิบเขาแบบยั่งยืน”
Background
informing assembly
Assembly originator conserves the Fruit trees Rainforest and
breed wild natives animals tortoise (Lesser Mouse Deer, Lesser Malay mouse deer
is the smallest deer of the World or the smallest artiodactyls.) of Klong Jark
Waterfall Koh Lanta by Mr.Charae
Sangkaow (Eco-Tourism Recreation ), and have to support help by local people from the village doing the project
to conserve Rainforest and breed wild natives animals.
Consultant by: Koh Lanta Marine National Park, Village
Headman, an Organization Administrates of Tumbol.
Because of, the Fruit trees Rainforest and wild
natives animals in the area of Klong Jark waterfall forest Koh Lanta Krabi, formerly have a tortoise and wild
animals, live various such as hornbills, tortoise (Cuora amboinensis )
(Indotestudo elongata), deer, chevrotain (Lesser Mouse Deer, Lesser Malay mouse
deer is the smallest deer of the World or the smallest artiodactyls.)
Stripes tiger civet, Tiger cat, wild boar and etc. but now
seek can seem difficult because of an enemy of the tortoise and wild animals, of
an egg and a child have hunted by human, dogs that use the foreleg digs a hole
the part scurries ( one Varanus kind bengalesis ), will use the tail digs the
sand takes eggs and young tortoise to eat is the food and the part in the distance that tortoise child and wild animals depart a hole or a nest and get
back in nature might become a victim to a bird and a snake and dogs.
Have the arrangement the assembly “Conserve Rainforest and
Breeds Natives Wild Animals of Koh Lanta Community Project”.
The principle and the reason of the arrangement the community
Manage to conserve fruit trees, tortoise and breed natives wild
animals and liberate to return in nature and encourage to Eco-Tourism
conserve nature and to be a vigorous community and can help oneself, make a person in a village have the work does.
Objective
1. Manages to
conserve Fruit trees Rainforest breed tortoise and wild native’s animals,
already liberate return to nature.
2. Encourage to
Eco-Tourism conserves nature and encourage to give a person in a village
have the work with the lead tour to the tropical rain forest and stay sufficiently with nature.
3. To be vigorous community and can help
oneself, by hold to one's principles the sufficient economy follows the royal
thought or idea of His Majesty the King.
4. Overlooking and
help protect the stealing stealthily hunt animals and cut the wood in the reservation
area and the national park.
5. Take the income 10% go to help and support
for children’s lunch at the school for help and decrease the responsibility of
a guardian.
6. To be the center for information’s and the
experience in about [ story ] a tortoises and wild natives animals and the
nature of the Krabi.
- For realizing in
the importance of turtles and wild natives animals includes natural resources
and the environment to be intention will conserve.
- Bring the
knowledge about natural resources conservation and the environment go to use in
every day both of direct way life and indirect.
- Announce
information’s and the knowledge of fruit trees, tortoise’s conservation and wild
native animals, natural resources, and the environment to the youth.
- Coordinate
activities with the assembly, institute and other university and have the same
objective consistent or resemble.
7. Encourage and
support have the education trains and learn about [story] tortoises, wild
animals, forest, source a river of Klong Jark Waterfall and nature become
the love, and the understanding in nature correctly and who get trained
will behave the certificate, for a member who passes the training can be the tour
guide of the assembly and take a tourist to tour and learn the nature in a
correct way.
8. Overlooking
picking garbage along walks trial and keeps it clean for nature.
Community is influential the duty as follows
- To be representative of a village in proceeding activity
conservation tortoises and wild animals include natural resources and the
environment.
- To be the representative of a member in the connection negotiates or present the opinion
to the government and other association conserve.
- Administrate the
assembly inspires to follow the objective in the arrangement of the assembly.
- Arrange the
regulations about operating of the assembly by don't oppose the regulations or
regulations of other association conserves.
- Help each other
inspect and resist the process entraps and trade a tortoise, wild animals which
will have an effect on the tortoise and wild natives animals amount in nature.
The project must do.
- Planting fruit trees for wild animals can eat, such as Eugenia tumida Duth, Sterculia Foetida L., Lepisanthes rubiginosa Leenh, Figs, Muntingia calabura
- Increase wild
animals will nearly become extinct in Koh Lanta forest area.
- Develop the
trail goes to the forest, a waterfall and the cave have the easiness and safe
by may keep the nation fairness.
- Do the label
and the information of each kind tree.
- Develop breeding
stations project.
- Teaching English
“ชุมชนบ้านคลองจากท่องเที่ยวเชิงนิเวศป่าดิบเขา แบบยั่งยืน”
ความเป็นมาในการก่อตั้งชมรม
ผู้ก่อตั้งชมรม อนุรักษ์ป่าและ พันธุ์สัตว์ป่าพื้นบ้าน เกาะลันตา คือ นาย
ชเร สังข์ขาว และได้รับการสนับสนุน ในการทำโครงการ
อนุรักษ์ป่าและพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าพื้นบ้าน โดยได้รับความร่วมมือจากคนในหมู่บ้าน
และมีที่ปรึกษากิตติมาศักดิ์ หัวหน้าอุทยานหมู่เกาะลันตา ผู้ใหญ่บ้าน และองค์การบริหารส่วนตำบลเกาะลันตาใหญ่
เนื่องจากต้นผลไม้ป่าประเภทสัตว์ป่ากินได้ นานาชนิด เช่น หว้าหิน สำโรง
กำชำ ลูกไทร ลูกมะเดื่อ ลูกตะขบ ลูกมะแว้ง
ตำลึง เป็นลูกผลไม้ซึ่งเป็นอาหารหลักของสัตว์ป่า
เช่น นกเงือก ค่าง ลิง นกกาฝาก นกโพระดก นกปรอด นกเปล้า
และนกกินผลไม้อีกจำนวนมากรวมถึง เต่าและสัตว์ป่าอื่น ๆ ณ บริเวณพื้นที่ป่าลำธารน้ำตกคลองจาก เกาะลันตา
จังหวัดกระบี่ เมื่อก่อนมี สัตว์ป่า อาศัยอยู่หลายชนิด เช่น นกเงือก เต่าหับ (Cuora
amboinensis ) เต่าเหลือง หรือเต่าขี้ผึ้ง หรือเต่าเทียน
หรือเต่าเพ็ก (Indotestudo elongata) กวาง กระจง อีเห็นลายเสือ เสือปลา
หมูป่า ค่าง ลิง นกกาฝาก นกโพระดก นกปรอด
นกเปล้า ฯลฯ
แต่ปัจจุบันหาดูได้ยากเนื่องจากศัตรูของเต่า และสัตว์ป่า
ของไข่และลูกบนพื้นบกที่สำคัญก็มี คน สุนัขที่ใช้เท้าหน้าขุดหลุม ส่วนแรน
(ตะกวดชนิดหนึ่ง) จะใช้หางขุดทรายเอาไข่และลูกเต่าวัยอ่อนมากินเป็นอาหาร
และส่วนในระยะที่ลูกเต่าและสัตว์ป่า
ออกจากหลุมหรือรังและกลับสู่ธรรมชาติก็อาจตกเป็นเหยื่อแก่นก และงู
ในวันนี้ได้มีการจัดตั้ง “ชมรมอนุรักษ์ป่าและ
พันธุ์สัตว์ป่าพื้นบ้าน เกาะลันตา” ขึ้น
หลักการและเหตุผลของการจัดตั้งชมรม
ดำเนินการอนุรักษ์ต้นผลไม้ป่า เต่าและขยายพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าพื้นบ้านและปล่อยกลับคืนสู่ธรรมชาติและส่งเสริมให้เป็นแหล่งท่องเที่ยวเชิงอนุรักษ์ธรรมชาติและเพื่อให้เป็นชุมชนเข้มแข็งและช่วยเหลือตนเองได้
ทำให้คนในหมู่บ้านได้มีงานทำ
วัตถุประสงค์
1. ดำเนินการอนุรักษ์ต้นผลไม้ป่า
เพื่อเป็นแหล่งหากินของสัตว์ป่า ขยายพันธุ์กล้วยไม้ ขยายพันธุ์เต่าและสัตว์ป่าพื้นบ้าน
แล้วปล่อยกลับคืนสู่ธรรมชาติ
2. ส่งเสริมให้เป็นแหล่งท่องเที่ยวเชิงอนุรักษ์ธรรมชาติและส่งเสริมให้คนในหมู่บ้านได้มีงานทำโดยการนำเที่ยวป่าและอยู่อย่างพอเพียงกับธรรมชาติ
3. เพื่อให้เป็นชุมชนเข้มแข็งและช่วยเหลือตนเองได้
โดยยึดหลักเศรษฐกิจพอเพียงตามพระราชดำริของพระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัว
4. คอยดูแลและช่วยป้องกันการลักลอบล่าสัตว์และตัดไม้ในเขตพื้นที่ป่าสงวนและอุทยานแห่งชาติ
5. นำรายได้ 10 % ไปช่วยเป็นค่าอาหารกลางวันที่โรงเรียนของเด็ก
เพื่อช่วยเหลือและลดภาระของผู้ปกครอง
6. เป็นศูนย์กลางในการแลกเปลี่ยนและเผยแพร่ข้อมูล
และประสบการณ์ในเรื่องเต่า สัตว์ป่าพื้นบ้าน และธรรมชาติของจังหวัดกระบี่
- เพื่อให้ตระหนักในความสำคัญของต้นผลไม้ป่า กล้วยไม้ป่า
เต่าและสัตว์ป่าพื้นบ้าน รวมถึงทรัพยากรธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อม
เพื่อนำไปสู่ความตั้งใจที่จะอนุรักษ์
- เพื่อให้ได้นำความรู้เกี่ยวกับการอนุรักษ์ทรัพยากรธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อมไปใช้ในชีวิตประจำวันทั้งทางตรงและทางอ้อม
- เพื่อเผยแพร่ความรู้ทางด้านการอนุรักษ์เต่า
สัตว์ป่าพื้นบ้าน ทรัพยากรธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อมให้แก่เยาวชน
- ประสานงานกับชมรม
หน่วยงาน และมหาวิทยาลัยอื่น ๆ ที่มีวัตถุประสงค์สอดคล้องหรือคล้ายคลึงกัน
7. ส่งเสริมและสนับสนุน
ให้มีการศึกษาฝึกอบรมและเรียนรู้เรื่องเต่า สัตว์ป่า ป่าไม้
แหล่งต้นน้ำตกคลองจากและธรรมชาติ เพื่อให้เกิดความรัก และความเข้าในธรรมชาติ
อย่างถูกต้องและผู้ที่ได้ผ่านการอบรมจะได้รับประกาศณีย์บัตร
เพื่อให้สมาชิกที่ผ่านการฝึกอบรมสามารถเป็น มัคคุเทศก์ของชมรม ฯ เพื่อพานักท่องเที่ยว
เที่ยวชมและเรียนรู้ธรรมชาติอย่างถูกวิธี
8. เก็บขยะตามทางเดินและรักษาความสะอาดเพื่อให้คงความเป็นธรรมชาติ
ชมรมมีอำนาจหน้าที่ดังนี้
-
เป็นตัวแทนของหมู่บ้านในการดำเนินกิจกรรมด้านการอนุรักษ์ต้นผลไม้ป่า
กล้วยไม้ป่า เต่าและสัตว์ป่า รวมถึงทรัพยากรธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อม
-
เป็นตัวแทนของสมาชิกในการติดต่อเจรจา
หรือเสนอความคิดเห็นต่อหน่วยงานรัฐและสมาคมอนุรักษ์อื่น
-
บริหารงานชมรมให้เป็นไปตามวัตถุประสงค์ในการจัดตั้งชมรม
-
จัดวางระเบียบเกี่ยวกับการดำเนินงานของชมรม
โดยไม่ขัดแย้งต่อระเบียบหรือข้อบังคับของสมาคมอนุรักษ์อื่น
-
ช่วยกันสอดส่องดูแลและต่อต้านขบวนการดักจับและค้าเต่า
สัตว์ป่า ซึ่งจะส่งผลกระทบต่อจำนวนเต่าในธรรมชาติ
โครงการที่ต้องทำ
- ปลูกต้นผลไม้ป่าประเภทสัตว์ป่ากินได้ เช่น หว้าหิน สำโรง กำชำ ลูกไทร ลูกมะเดื่อ ลูกตะขบ ลูกมะแว้ง
- พัฒนาทางเดินไปป่า
น้ำตกและถ้ำให้มีความสะดวกสบายและปลอดภัยโดยคงความเป็นธรรมชาติไว้
- ทำป้ายบอกทางแต่ละจุดในป่า
- ทำป้ายชื่อและข้อมูลของต้นไม้แต่ละชนิด
- เพิ่มจำนวนประชากรสัตว์ป่าที่ใกล้จะสูญพันธุ์ในเขตพื้นที่ป่าเกาะลันตา
Lesser
Mouse Deer, Lesser Malay mouse deer is the smallest deer of the World or the smallest artiodactyls.
By Nicole
Strawder
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The Java Mouse-deer (Tragulus javanicus)
is a species of even-toed ungulate in the Tragulidae
family. At full grown it is about the size of a rabbit. It is found
in Java. Its natural
habitat is
tropical moist lowland forests. It is the smallest hooves animal in the world.
Physical Appearance
Picture from : http://www.ultimateungulate.com/Artiodactyla/Tragulus_javanicus.html
Access : 10 october 2005
Geographic Range
Tropical forest
region in Southeast Asia
Habitat
Tragulus javanicus are found in overgrown primary and secondary forests in Southeast
Asia. They often reside around rocks, hollow trees, and dense vegetation near
water. (Nowak
and Paradiso, 1983)
These animals
are found in the following types of habitat: tropical
Terrestrial Biomes:
rainforest
Physical Description
Mass
1 to2 kg
(2.2 to4.4 lbs )
1 to
(2.2 to
Basal Metabolic Rate
Tragulus javanicus, or lesser Malay mouse deer, do not have antlers or
horns. Instead, adult males have elongated, tusk-like upper canines (Nowak and
Paradiso, 1983). These canines protrude from the side of the mouth. Females
lack these canines. Females are also smaller than the males (Nowak and
Paradiso, 1983). The cheekteeth of lesser mouse deer have a crescent pattern
formed by the enamel ridges. Mouse deer have no upper incisors. The pelage of
mouse deer is brown with an orange tint. The underside is white. There is also
a series of white vertical markings on the neck (Grzimck, 1994). Malay mouse
deer have a triangular head and a round body with elevated rear quarters. The
thin legs are about the diameter of a pencil (Nowak and Parasido, 1983). T. javanicus is the smallest artiodactyls, 18-22 inches long with a
tail length of 2 inches
(Grzimck, 1994). The young look like miniature adults when born; however, the
tusk-like incisors in the infant males are not well developed.
Sexual dimorphism:
Reproduction
Mouse deer can breed
at any time of the year. The gestation period is usually 4 1/2 months. Breeding
females produce one fawn (Jinaka, 1995). The young are precocial when born and
can stand within 30 minutes of birth (Grzimck, 1994). Mouse deer are shy and
their fawns tend to be "hiders". The fawn is weaned for 10-13 weeks.
It reaches sexual maturity at about 5-6 months. Lesser Malay mouse deer can
live for 12 years.
Key
reproductive features: gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual
Behavior
Lesser Malay mouse
deer tend to form monogamous family groups. Some are solitary. Mouse deer are
very shy and try to remain unseen. They are usually silent; the only noise
mouse deer make is a shrill cry when frightened (Jinaka, 1995). T. javanicus are most active during the night. Lesser
Malay mouse deer travel thorugh tunnel-like trails of thick bursh to reach
their feeding and resting sites, which are often in the cracks of rocks, hollow
trees, and dense vegetation (Grzimck, 1994). The male mouse deer are
territorial. Mouse deer regularly mark their territories, and their mates,
using secretions from an intermandibular gland under the chin, an action that
is usually accompanied by urinating or defecating (Nowak and Paradiso, 1983).
Male mouse deer protect themselves, and their mates, against rivals by chasing
or slashing them with their sharp canines. When threatened, lesser Malay mouse
deer rapidly beat their hooves on the ground at speeds of up to 7 times per
second, creating a 'drum roll' (Grzimck, 1994). Predators of the mouse deer
include large birds and large reptiles (Nowak and Paradiso, 1983).
Food Habits
T. javanicus
is a ruminant and has a three-chambered stomach (Lawlor, 1979). As ruminants,
mouse deer use microorganisms that produce enzymes within the stomach to digest
their food. In the wild, lesser Malayan mouse deer are commonly herbivores and
folivores, eating leaves, buds, shrubs, and fruits that have fallen from trees.
In zoos, mouse deer tend to eat insects as well as leaves and fruits (Nowak and
Paradiso, 1983).
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
Mouse deer are
hunted for their skins. The pelage of mouse deer is smooth and the skin is used
to make handbags and coats (Jinaka, 1995).
Conservation Status
The mouse deer
population is threatened by hunting and habitat destruction.
One method to
prevent the extinction of mouse deer is captive breeding. This is done
primarily in zoos (Jinaka, 1995). (Jinaka,
1995)
Other Comments
Female lesser Malay
mouse deer have the potential to be pregnant throughout their adult life, being
able to conceive only 85-155 minutes after giving birth (Grzimck, 1994).
References
Jinaka,
H. 1995. Endangered Animal of February 1999 -Mouse Deer. A Guide to the
Threatened Animals of Singapore
Nowak,
R., J. Paradiso. 1983. Walker Chicago : John Hopkins
University
2009/09/27 05:28:54.769 GMT-4
Identification
Tragulus javanicus (lesser mouse-deer)
Caption
Dorsal (
Contributors
Phil Myers (photographer, copyright_holder),
Identification
Tragulus javanicus (lesser mouse-deer)
Caption
Lateral (
Contributors
Phil Myers (photographer,
copyright_holder), Identification
Tragulus javanicus (lesser mouse-deer)
Caption
Lower jaw (
Contributors
Phil Myers (photographer,
copyright_holder), 
Caption
Lower jaw (Museum
of Natural History , University of Kansas
Contributors
Phil Myers (photographer,
copyright_holder), Museum of Zoology , University
of Michigan
Identification
Tragulus javanicus
(lesser mouse-deer) 
Caption
Pelvic shield (
Contributors
Phil Myers (photographer,
copyright_holder), Identification
Tragulus javanicus (lesser mouse-deer)
Caption
Pelvic shield (
Contributors
Phil Myers (photographer,
copyright_holder), Identification
Tragulus javanicus (lesser mouse-deer)
Caption
Ventral (
Contributors
Phil Myers (photographer, copyright holder),
Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan
Indotestudo elongata
Common Name : Elongated Tortoise
Scientific Name : Indotestudo elongata
Family : Testudinidae
Order : Testudines
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Scientific Name : Indotestudo elongata
Family : Testudinidae
Order : Testudines
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Elongated Tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) is a species of tortoise found
in Southeast
Asia and parts of South Asia.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indotestudo_elongata"
Indotestudo elongata - The
Elongated Tortoise - Darrell Senneke
Hypervitaminosis A in an Indotestudo
elongata - Chris Tabaka DVM
Introduction
The Elongated or Yellow Tortoise belongs to the Genus Indotestudo. Included in this group are both the Elongated tortoise, Indotestudo elongata and the Travancore tortoise, Indotestudo forstenii.
The Elongated or Yellow Tortoise belongs to the Genus Indotestudo. Included in this group are both the Elongated tortoise, Indotestudo elongata and the Travancore tortoise, Indotestudo forstenii.
Description
SIZE: Indotestudo elongata is a medium to large size tortoise. Typically, they are about30
cm (12
inches ) long and 3.5 kg (7 pounds ) as an adult
though there are larger specimens. Females tend to be wider and more rounded
than males. In addition to this, the males have a tail that is much
larger than that of the female and a concave plastron while the plastron of a
female is completely flat. Another difference between the sexes is that
the posterior claws of females are markedly longer than male hind claws, and
more curved - the belief is that this is to facilitate nest building.
SIZE: Indotestudo elongata is a medium to large size tortoise. Typically, they are about
APPEARANCE: The ground color of
the shell is caramel colored to dark yellowish brown, with blotches of black on
each scute - this can be variable with some tortoises appearing totally caramel
colored and others nearly completely black. This difference in color coupled
with a marked difference in size of area populations has led some researchers
to believe that there may be subspecies of Elongated tortoises yet to be
determined.
The Elongated
tortoise possesses a smooth shell which seems to be quite resistant to the
deformities often encountered in captive tortoises because of poor (high
protein) diets. There has been little research on Indotestudo elongata
diet in the wild but the supposition is that their resistance to pyramiding is
a result of a semi-aquatic, moderate protein adaptation.
Large scales cover
the anterior parts of the front legs, while the hind legs lack this protection.
The soft parts of this species are gray to yellow. The head is yellow /tan
except in breeding season where both sexes take on a pinkish coloration around
the nares and eyes.
Distribution and
local variation.
The species has a huge range in Asia (see map) and is found from Nepal to Malaysia. There has been no attempt to break this species down into area “types” though it must be kept in mind that as they are found over such a large range that the requirements may vary from tortoise to tortoise as to habitat preferences.
The species has a huge range in Asia (see map) and is found from Nepal to Malaysia. There has been no attempt to break this species down into area “types” though it must be kept in mind that as they are found over such a large range that the requirements may vary from tortoise to tortoise as to habitat preferences.
Status in the wild.
THREATS: The Elongated tortoise is commonly found in the Asian food markets and as a result of this is under dire pressures in its entire range. It is the most common tortoise shipped to the Chinese food markets from Vietnam.
THREATS: The Elongated tortoise is commonly found in the Asian food markets and as a result of this is under dire pressures in its entire range. It is the most common tortoise shipped to the Chinese food markets from Vietnam.
The species has been
placed on CITES Appendix II, which regulates the legal international
trade. Sadly, the enforcement of this law does not appear to be slowing
the trade in this species as Elongated tortoises are still openly offered for
sale in Chinese food markets and are featured on importer’s price lists for as
little as 60 dollars (U.S.)
Natural history
HABITAT: Indotestudo elongata is primarily a damp forest species though it can be found in dry areas as well. It is a crepuscular tortoise, becoming active in the twilight hours before dawn or after sunset. Its large eyes are well adapted to low light levels.
HABITAT: Indotestudo elongata is primarily a damp forest species though it can be found in dry areas as well. It is a crepuscular tortoise, becoming active in the twilight hours before dawn or after sunset. Its large eyes are well adapted to low light levels.
DIET: Indotestudo
elongata has an omnivorous diet consisting of fruits, leafy greens, worms,
slugs and carrion if available.
Reproduction
MATING: Male Elongated tortoises engage in very aggressive courtship behavior which can result in injury to the female if a large enough habitat is not provided. Male aggression against other males can also be very damaging and it is suggested that only one male be housed in an enclosure. In courtship, the male engages in ramming behavior as well as vigorous biting about the head, neck and front legs of the female. The male loudly vocalizes during mating, emitting a harsh, raspy sound while exhaling.
MATING: Male Elongated tortoises engage in very aggressive courtship behavior which can result in injury to the female if a large enough habitat is not provided. Male aggression against other males can also be very damaging and it is suggested that only one male be housed in an enclosure. In courtship, the male engages in ramming behavior as well as vigorous biting about the head, neck and front legs of the female. The male loudly vocalizes during mating, emitting a harsh, raspy sound while exhaling.
EGG LAYING: A female Elongated
tortoise preparing to nest becomes restless, often attempting to escape the
enclosure. While constantly striding about the habitat, she will stop and
sniff the earth from time to time as she selects a spot. Generally, the spot
chosen is damp and free of vegetation. Once she has found a
suitable spot, she digs a flask shaped nest 15 - 20 centimeters deep
with her back legs. If the soil is too hard and dry, she will wet the spot by
emptying her bladder. She then proceeds to lay a clutch of 2-4 eggs in
the excavated nest, replaces the soil with her back legs and flattens the spot
with her plastron. Elongated tortoises typically lay 3 clutches a season
in captivity.
HATCHING: The eggs of the
Elongated tortoise are huge compared to most other species
measuring 50 X 40
mm , are hard-shelled and weigh 42 - 46 grams . There is a
strong indication of diapause in this species with clutches incubated 28
degrees C taking from 130 - 190 days to hatch. Increasing the temperature
frequently results in doubled vertebral scutes. The newly hatched
young are 50 - 55 mm
SCL and weigh 30 - 35 grams .
In communication on
the Asian Turtle Crises Internet List serve Peter Paul Van Dijk made these
comments about his researches into the natural incubation conditions of Indotestudo
elongata.
"I've
done actual field work on this (sticking a temperature data logger in an actual
wild nest) and the natural temp profile is pretty complex. In western Thailand,
eggs are laid towards the end of the wet season (about October), when soil is
soft and damp and temp at nest depth is about 25-30 degrees Celsius.
Subsequently,
temp declines gradually through the cool dry season (Dec-Jan), not getting much
above 25-28 C .
During this time the soil dries out and becomes almost as tough as concrete. By
February, the hot season arrives, and nest temperatures vary between 25 and a
little over 30 C .
Daily fluctuations are in the order of 3-5 degrees. Eventually, the wet season
arrives in May and the hatchlings emerge when the soil is soaked and soft
again. That's right, they are in the nest for 7-9 months. I suspect there is
some diapause, and the hatchlings may just be incarcerated in the hard soil but
otherwise ready to emerge during the latter part of this period. It would be
challenging to imitate such conditions in an incubator."
Care in captivity
GENERAL: For a species that is commonly kept little is known of their requirements in captivity. The following is what works for me, in different climates different approaches may need to be taken.
GENERAL: For a species that is commonly kept little is known of their requirements in captivity. The following is what works for me, in different climates different approaches may need to be taken.
I maintain my Indotestudo
elongata outdoors once nighttime temperatures stay above 15 degrees C. They
appear to be fairly cold tolerant and can be seen actively hunting on days when
the temperature exceeds 20 degrees C. Interestingly this is also a trait
of Manouria emys, which lives in many of the same areas in the wild.
Elongated tortoises do not appreciate bright lighting and are only seen to bask
early on cool mornings. Because of this, I allow their pens to become
overgrown, supplying them with the shady areas that they seem to require.
I also install a shallow pond in their habitat, making certain to allow for
ease of egress, as they frequently soak and swim on a daily basis in warm
weather.
Diet in captivity
consists of leafy greens with about 10% fruit added. In addition to this, I
supply them with a higher protein option, usually earthworms, on a weekly
basis. Additional calcium supplementation is
essential. Powdered calcium can be sprinkled all foods. It is
suggested that one use calcium supplemented with vitamin D3 if the animal is
being maintained indoors and calcium without D3 if it is outdoors. Provision of a cuttlefish bone, which can be gnawed if
desired, is also recommended.
Indoors I maintain
them on a substrate of cypress mulch which is kept damp by frequent misting -
in addition to this they are provided with a large soaking pool at all times.
Photographic developing trays sunk into the surface of the indoor habitat are a
good method of providing this soaking option.
BREEDING: Females
actively start breeding at about 23
cm . Males and females are maintained separately
unless they can be provided with a large habitat. I would estimate that a
minimum of 5 meters
by 3 meters
is necessary for one pair though females and juveniles can be housed together
in higher density. Care must be taken to examine the female on a daily
basis for injuries sustained by contact with the male. In order to give
the female relief from the constant harassment from the male I suggest putting
logs and other sight line obstructions into the pen. When the female is
receptive, she will lift the posterior of her shell to allow the male access.
After nesting, the
eggs are removed to an incubator and placed into containers of vermiculite
moistened with water at a 1 - 1 ratio by weight. The incubator is
maintained at 28 degrees C. Hatchling can be expected between 120 and 180
days. Hatchlings are housed in the same manner as the adults and show a
stronger preference for protein (worms, slugs) at this age.
At the present time
there is no known TDS data for the Elongated tortoise, there is still much work
to be done with this species.
It should be noted
that turtle and tortoise care research is ongoing. As new information becomes
available we share this on the World Chelonian Trust web site at www.chelonia.org. Serious keepers find it
to be a benefit to have the support of others who keep these species. Care is
discussed in our free online email community, which may be joined from the web
address above. Please contact us about the many benefits of becoming a member
of the World Chelonian Trust.
Further reading:
Tortuga Gazette
28(3): 1-3, March 1992, The Elongated Tortoise, Indotestudo elongata by
Betsy McCormick
Indotestudo elongata Hatchling Care
Sheet, World Chelonian Trust web site - Darrell Senneke
Encyclopedia of
Turtles - Peter Pritchard, 1979
