Seasonal Timing of Consumption of Calcium-Rich Caliche in the Sonoran Desert Tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) in Central Arizona

Hyaena faeces and mineral licks represent highly concentrated nutrient resources for leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) living in nutrient‐poor environments. Here, we provide direct evidence for the consumption of hyaena faeces and artificial mineral licks by leopard tortoises in the Kalahari Desert. Tortoises aggregated at hyaena latrines and lick sites during the wet season between 10 AM and 6 PM in groups of 1–5 individuals. Where both salt and mineral licks were available, tortoises displayed a preference for salt. We suggest that calcium, phosphorus and sodium deficits are likely driving coprophagy and geophagy behaviours by tortoises in the Kalahari.

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Seasonal Timing of Consumption of Calcium-Rich Caliche in the Sonoran Desert Tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) in Central Arizona

Cited by 2 publications

References 14 publications

Hatchling turtles ingest natural and artificial incubation substrates at high frequency

Hatchling turtles ingest natural and artificial incubation substrates at high frequency

Consumption of hyaena faeces and artificial mineral licks by leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) in a low‐nutrient environment

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