Abstract

The study surveyed the aspects of breeding ecology of freshwater Turtle (Pelusios niger) in the Wild in Zaria, Kaduna State Nigeria. Three points were sampled at A, B, and C of the water pool, morning (7.00am – 8.00am) and evening (5.00pm – 6.00am) daily. Data collected were subjected to One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS 9.1 version to determine significant difference (P<0.05). The means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) where differences exist.The results revealed that water quality parameters during rearing of breeding period of freshwater small turtle in all the locations A, B, and C in Zaria: mean temperature(27.98±0.17aoC - 28.60±2.31aoC), mean pH (9.18±0.36a - 9.20±1.25a), e EC (234.90±0.98a – 236.89±2.62a µms-1), TDS (180.97±1.21a – 120.86±1.32a ppm), BOD (56.40±0.32appm - 58.50±1.13appm), COD (11.18±0.24a – 11.70±0.22a ppm), nitrates (0.02±0.01a – 0.04±0.02a ppm), nitrites (0.001±0.01a – 0.002±0.01a ppm),and ammonia (0.002±0.01a – 0.003±0.02a ppm). Therefore, the water quality parameters were all within the acceptable ranges for reproduction and production of aquatic organisms.