Effect of Incubation Temperature on Incubation Period, Sex Ratio, Hatching Success, and Survivorship in Caiman latirostris (Crocodylia, Alligatoridae)

Abstract

Temperature-dependent sex-determination has been reported for all extant crocodilians. We present information about incubation temperature effects on incubation period, sex ratio, hatching success, and hatchling survivorship during the first year of life for Caiman latirostris. Incubation period was negatively related to temperature. Sex of hatchlings were related to incubation temperature. Only females were produced at 29°C and 31°C, only males were produced at 33°C, and both males and females hatched at 34.5°C. Hatching success and survivorship were unaffected by incubation temperature.