Growth of the Namaqualand speckled padloper, <i>Homopus signatus signatus</i> (Reptilia: Testudinidae)

Abstract

Growth was calculated for the world’s smallest tortoise species, Homopus signatus  signatus, by comparing body size data gathered in spring 2000, 2001 and 2002. Sexual differences could not be identified, but mean growth was significantly lower in 2000/01 than in 2001/02, possibly due to higher winter rainfall preceding the second period. Variation in growth rates was highest in juveniles. Growth decreased with increasing straight carapace length, resulting in a preliminary estimate of 11 years for females to reach sexual maturity.

Key words: tortoises, Homopus, ecology, growth.