We studied oviposition sites and their effects on the reproductive success of the Chinhai salamander (Echinotriton chinhaiensis) .The results showed that: (1) the female had strong preferences for spawning sites and o...We studied oviposition sites and their effects on the reproductive success of the Chinhai salamander (Echinotriton chinhaiensis) .The results showed that: (1) the female had strong preferences for spawning sites and oviposition microhabitat; (2) the most suitable oviposition sites were 30 cm higher than water level and 45 cm from the water body; (3) oviposition sites usually overlapped;(4) embryos could develop and hatch normally in water as well as on land. The hatching rate on land was high (94 3%), but the number of hatchlings that successfully migrated to water was low (52%±11%, n =3 in the laboratory, and approximatly 20% in nature). Based on the situation in laboratory, the average hatchling survival rate at all oviposition sites was 36 7%. Owing to oviposition on land, the reproductive success of Chinhai salamander was very low;(5) protecting the spawning sites and increasing the hatchling survival rate are the keys to conserving this species.展开更多
文摘We studied oviposition sites and their effects on the reproductive success of the Chinhai salamander (Echinotriton chinhaiensis) .The results showed that: (1) the female had strong preferences for spawning sites and oviposition microhabitat; (2) the most suitable oviposition sites were 30 cm higher than water level and 45 cm from the water body; (3) oviposition sites usually overlapped;(4) embryos could develop and hatch normally in water as well as on land. The hatching rate on land was high (94 3%), but the number of hatchlings that successfully migrated to water was low (52%±11%, n =3 in the laboratory, and approximatly 20% in nature). Based on the situation in laboratory, the average hatchling survival rate at all oviposition sites was 36 7%. Owing to oviposition on land, the reproductive success of Chinhai salamander was very low;(5) protecting the spawning sites and increasing the hatchling survival rate are the keys to conserving this species.