Breeding phenology and behavior of Rosenberg's Goanna (Varanus rosenbergi) on Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Date
2010
Authors
Rismiller, P.
McKelvey, M.
Green, B.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Journal of Herpetology, 2010; 44(3):399-408
Statement of Responsibility
Peggy D. Rismiller, Michael W. McKelvey, and Brian Green
Conference Name
DOI
Abstract
For 16 years, we have observed and recorded seasonal life cycles of individual free-ranging Rosenberg's Goannas, Varanus rosenbergi. These monitor lizards are normally solitary except during their annual summer breeding cycle. Activities and behaviors were documented from precourtship through to pairing, courtship, copulation, selecting and excavating an incubation chamber, egg laying, and finally guarding the egg mound before returning to a solitary life style. Whereas the sequence of breeding activities tends to follow a set pattern, the timing and duration of physical and physiological events vary from season to season. Courtship through to defending the egg mound occupies up to 4 months of the year, commencing just before the summer solstice and ending shortly after the autumn equinox.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Access Status
Rights
Copyright 2010 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles