Trachemys scripta elegans. (Red-eared slider). Basking behaviour.

Abstract

The article focuses on observations of nesting behaviors and movements of the turtle species Terrapene n. klauberi, as well as the basking behavior of the invasive Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) in Australia, and dietary observations of the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) in relation to marine mammals. Key findings include the nesting patterns of female T. n. klauberi, which were primarily observed in open, sunny areas, and the potential long-distance movements of females to nesting sites. Additionally, the article reports on the nocturnal basking behavior of juvenile Red-eared Sliders, a first for this species, and documents the predation of Tamanend’s Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops erebennus) by American Alligators in coastal South Carolina, highlighting their opportunistic feeding habits.