Facultative aestivation in a tropical freshwater turtle Chelodina rugosa

• Published in: Comparative biochemistry and physiology. A, Comparative physiology Vol. 83; no. 2; pp. 321 - 323
• Main Authors: Grigg, G.C., Johansen, K., Harlow, P., Beard, L.A., Taplin, L.E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier B.V 1986; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Chelodina rugosa; Freshwater; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Thermoregulation. Hibernation. Estivation. Ecophysiology and environmental effects; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems; Australia; Freshwater environment; Vertebrata; Chelonia; Reptilia; Estivation; Metabolism; Feeding
• ISSN: 0300-9629
• DOI: 10.1016/0300-9629(86)90582-7

1. 1. Chelodina rugosa dug from aestivation sites at the end of the dry season were immediately alert and well coordinated. 2. 2. Compared with non-aestivating animals, aestivating turtles had 20% higher plasma osmotic pressure and 7% higher sodium. Coupled with a small, but significant weight gain upon return to the water, this suggested the occurrence of minor dehydration in aestivating animals. 3. 3. Plasma lactate levels of aestivating animals were low, averaging 1.99 mmol/l, consistent with aerobic rather than anaerobic metabolism having sustained their long period under ground. 4. 4. No evidence was seen of dramatic physiological specialization. Aestivation in this species is interpreted as a primarily behavioural adaptation, made possible by typically reptilian abilities to tolerate a wide range in plasma electrolytes and to survive long periods without feeding.