I've never claimed it was anything but my opinion. It's a common sense kind of thing.

Those tortoises that have a range that extends into areas that require hibernation in order to survive do hibernate. In the part of their range that does not require it... they do not.

T. greaca does not hibernate in its southern most range, does not hibernate. G. carbonaria in its southern most range does hibernate.

The RES, while not a tortoise, hibernates in the areas that require it to do so for survival.

Behaviors are most likely imprinted so if a tortoise is hibernated for any length of time it will probably be inclined to do so in the future. The is the same as feeding habits which is why it is probably so difficult to acclimate certain WC tortoises.

Then there is always instinct... Sulcatas, Aldabras, Leopards, and Redfoots(in my experience) will instinctivly beddown(hibernate)during periods of unfavorable conditions... I'm talking weeks.

As to references... this is an original idea based on experience and years of observation.


>>Ed,is the adaptation you are talking about your opinon, or is it a known fact? I have seen some Northern water turtles go off feed at the hint of cold weather in captivity in Florida as the weather warms they swim around and burn off weight but do not eat. This seems to indacate they get genetic seasonal signal built into the species and not the individual animal. Dont know please explane with a reference. VM
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

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