Artificial incubation of eggs of the green iguana (Iguana iguana)

Abstract

Successful hatching of large numbers of artificially incubated eggs from the green iguana, Iguana iguana, are reported. Gravid females were captured at a nesting site in Summit Gardens, Soberania, Parque Nacional, Panama, and released into an enclosure with an artificial nesting area. Females dug their own tunnels and nest chambers or used artificial nest chambers for egg deposition. Eggs (n = 829) from 21 clutches were removed from the nests and artificially incubated. Average hatching success per clutch was 94.6% and the mean clutch incubation time was 92.1 days. A distinct odor was noticed in the incubation containers several days before the eggs began to hatch. At this time, the substrate layer was removed exposing the top surface of all eggs, and the eggs desiccated to some degree prior to hatching. High incubation temperature, hydric conditions, and egg arrangement are all implicated as contributing factors in low hatching success in previous studies using artificial incubation techniques.

Recommendations for the Care of Amphibians and Reptiles in Academic Institutions

“…In situations when digestive physiology is important, husbandry of folivorous reptiles should probably include a method of inoculating hatchlings with the species' typical gut symbionts. This may be a matter of substantial applied significance, because many folivorous species of reptiles are threatened or endangered, and captive breeding programs for some of them are planned or in progress (Bjorndal, 1981;Burghardt and Rand, 1982;Miller, 1987;IUCN, 1989;Swingland and Klemens, 1989).…”

“…However, this advice must be modified for species that display temperature-dependent sex determination to avoid producing hatchlings of only one sex. As a rule of thumb, temperatures that produce incubation periods similar to those observed in the field are likely to be satisfactory (Miller, 1987). Unlike the eggs of birds, reptile eggs should not be turned during development.…”

Green Iguana Care

“…Sexual maturity can be reached within two years but breeding usually doesn't occur until the third year in captivity (8). Females in Panam a lay clutches o f 23 to 60 eggs (mean = 40) from late January to mid-M arch d u rin g the dry sea so n and hatchlings appear in 90 days at the start of the rainy season (6). Under artificial incubation at 27 to 35 C (80.6 to 95 F) eggs hatch in approximately 93 days (6).…”

“…Females in Panam a lay clutches o f 23 to 60 eggs (mean = 40) from late January to mid-M arch d u rin g the dry sea so n and hatchlings appear in 90 days at the start of the rainy season (6). Under artificial incubation at 27 to 35 C (80.6 to 95 F) eggs hatch in approximately 93 days (6). Larger females lay larger clutches (6).…”

“…Under artificial incubation at 27 to 35 C (80.6 to 95 F) eggs hatch in approximately 93 days (6). Larger females lay larger clutches (6).…”