Behavioral responses of Trachemys dorbigni (Duméril & Bibron, 1835) (Testudines: Emydidae) facing a potential risk of predation

Thiago Maia-Carneiro , Thiago Arnt Dorigo and Carlos Frederico Duarte Rocha

Abstract
Behavioral responses in front of potential predation risks are critical for survival and diverse among reptiles. Trachemys dorbigni (Duméril & Bibron, 1835) (Testudines: Emydidae) is a terrapin species of the Family Emydidae with geographical distribution along Southern South America. Here, we report behavioral responses displayed by a T. dorbigni individual facing potential risk of predation. After captured, the individual withdrawn head and limbs into the carapace and, shortly after released, it ran toward a deeper region of a pond and dig the muddy substrate through movements of its carapace and paws burying itself into the mud submerged in water. Withdrawal into the carapace, flight into water or a burrow, and similar burial behaviors occur in Testudines, but until now they were not reported in T. dorbigni. These animals might use the behavioral responses reported here when facing risks of predation, which may difficult capturing and therefore increase chances of survival.

Keywords
Defensive mechanisms; Predation; Terrapin; Testudines; Turtle.

DOI
10.21472/bjbs.030619

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References
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