Abstract Clutch, egg and hatchling characteristics in the Souss Valley tortoises Testudo graeca soussensis (Testudinidae) from an arid steppe area of west-central Morocco were investigated in semi captivity in spring–early summer 2011. Mating activity occurs twice in the year, mainly in early spring and for a short period in mid-autumn. The egg laying period lasts from late May to early July. The mean clutch size, based on the first clutches, is 3.44±1.33 eggs per clutch (range: 1–5 eggs); the eggs are elongated in shape. The mean relative egg mass and relative clutch mass are 1.70±0.28% and 4.06±1.32%, respectively. No egg variable was significantly correlated with the female body size (carapace length and body weight). The mean incubation duration of artificially incubated eggs (at 31°C) is 70±5.7 days. The body mass at hatching is 12.8±0.6 g. The carapace is sub-circular and more domed than that of adults. The obtained data are compared to those reported for other populations and subspecies of T. graeca across its distribution range. The present study would, hopefully, help to assess the potential for tortoise captive breeding in the eco-climatic conditions of Marrakech, west-central Morocco, for the reinforcement of local declining populations.

中文翻译：

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来自摩洛哥中西部干旱草原的苏斯谷陆龟的离合、卵和孵化特征，Testudo graeca soussensisPieh，2001（Testudines：Testudinidae）

摘要 2011 年春-初夏半圈养研究了摩洛哥中西部干旱草原区苏斯河谷陆龟 Testudo graeca soussensis (Testudinidae) 的离体、卵和孵化特征。交配活动一年发生两次，主要是在早春和中秋短暂。产卵期从五月下旬持续到七月初。基于第一窝的平均窝数为每窝 3.44±1.33 个鸡蛋（范围：1-5 个鸡蛋）；鸡蛋的形状被拉长。平均相对鸡蛋质量和相对离合器质量分别为 1.70±0.28% 和 4.06±1.32%。没有鸡蛋变量与雌性体型（甲壳长度和体重）显着相关。人工孵化的鸡蛋（在 31°C 下）的平均孵化时间为 70±5.7 天。孵化时的体重为 12.8±0.6 g。甲壳是亚圆形的，比成年人的甲壳更圆顶。将获得的数据与 T. graeca 其他种群和亚种在其分布范围内报告的数据进行比较。希望本研究有助于评估在摩洛哥中西部马拉喀什的生态气候条件下圈养陆龟的潜力，以加强当地不断减少的人口。