How to tell if a male redfoot is a good breeder

pan95

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Is there any appearance characteristics that can indicate whether a male redfoot is a better breeder than others?
For example, more concaved plastron, bigger tail, larger backfoot, larger size..etc?
 

zovick

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Is there any appearance characteristics that can indicate whether a male redfoot is a better breeder than others?
For example, more concaved plastron, bigger tail, larger backfoot, larger size..etc?
The proof of a male tortoise being a good breeder is NOT seen in its morphological characteristics. It is seen by witnessing the male in the act of courting and breeding a female.
 

pan95

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The proof of a male tortoise being a good breeder is NOT seen in its morphological characteristics. It is seen by witnessing the male in the act of courting and breeding a female.
Does worse worn in plastron indicate the male has done more breeding activities?
 

zovick

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Does worse worn in plastron indicate the male has done more breeding activities?
It could indicate that, but it could also just be a sign of the male having been on a rough substrate which wore down the scutes.

By contrast, it is easier to tell when a female has been bred many times because there is obvious wear on the costal scutes where the mounted males' feet have rubbed on them, and also sometimes on the supracaudal scute.
 

zovick

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Does worse worn in plastron indicate the male has done more breeding activities?
Here is a photo of a female Radiated Tortoise which has been bred many times. The wear on the centers of the second costal scutes on either side is quite evident. Look at the difference between the areolae of the first costal scutes and the second costal scutes to see what I mean.

#375 Radiated A.jpg

Here is a side view of another female showing the same wear pattern on the second costal scute from numerous breedings.

#445 Radiated.jpg
 

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