The Herpetological Journal

pp.285-291

Authors: John B. Iverson

Abstract: Field studies on the Yucatan peninsula in 1985 and 1987 revealed 38 new localities for Creaser's mud turtle. This turtle typically inhabits shallow, temporary pools in undisturbed forest. It apparently estivates below ground during most of the dry season, and is active primarily during the wet season when forest pools are present. It is not a usual inhabitant of permanent water microhabitats (e.g. cenotes). Populations appear to be most dense in Quintana Roo, where deforestation has not been as intense as in northern Campeche and Yucatan. These turtles eat mainly animal matter. Females exhibit a 'tropical' reproductive pattern, producing few, large eggs during the middle of the wet season (August-October). Juvenile growth rates are rapid, but adults grow slowly and are not large in comparison to related congeners. Males are aggressive toward other males and only one was found in any single pool or pond.